Rating: 
Summary: A tasty French fairy tale....
Review: "Chocolat" proved to be my favourite film of 2000. Based closely upon the novel by Joanne Harris, "Chocolat" is much like a fairy tale. It possesses the same sense of magic and whimsy, and the added bonus of beaucoup de.... scrumptious chocolate in every shape and form: moulded nudes, suns, Aztec temples, nipples of Venus, thick hot chocolate with cream.... all of these delicacies, when paired with Vianne's (Juliette Binoche) kindess and knack for guessing favourite chocolates, change the townspeople profoundly."Chocolat" is a simple, delicious tale of the human heart, of the value of laughter, compassion, and chocolate of course. The DVD does have a making-of featurette and a few deleted scenes, one of which should have been left in the film (Armande's letter to Vianne) as it clarified and added a great deal of meaning. The feature on the film's costumes was also interesting. If you are a fan of romantic comedy/drama, period films (post WWII rural France), or chocolate, this is a wonderful little film in the tradition of "Como agua para chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate)" that blends romance and magic with culinary delights.
Rating: 
Summary: Slight but Sweet.
Review: Director Lasse Hallstrom has become Miramax's Golden Boy of the moment: his 1999 picture, "Cider House Rules" won 2 Academy Awards, and his 2000 "Chocolat" grabbed a handful of nominations as well. It's a simple fable about a nomad (Juliette Binoche) who settles in an ultraconservative French town and opens up a chocotat store--smack dab in the middle of Lent. The town's Mayor, pastor, and many of its residents are none too pleased with this lady, who doesn't share their Catholic beliefs. The film goes on to stress the importance of tolerance, but the movie is so handsomely produced that you forget how simplistic this story really is. Nevertheless, it's a well-assembled DVD package with decent picture and sound as well as a nice featurette that includes the cast and crew members. "Chocolat" didn't quite deserve to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, but it's a decent fable that will pass 2 hours of your time nicely. Like the confection after which it's named, "Chocolat" is slight but sweet.
Rating:
Summary: Charming and beguiling romantic fable
Review: Lasse Hallstrom has a magical, deft touch with his films -- the stories are clear and the tone is often mystical in some fashion or another. CHOCOLAT is a lovely example of this, moving from the "Once upon a time" opening to entrancing and seductively charming the viewer into caring for all the characters, even the difficult ones. Each character is, in my opinion, beautifully and caringly cast, and each turns in lovely, nuanced performances. Notable are Lena Olin, Alfred Molina and, of course, Judi Dench. Both Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp are marvellous as well; Depp's character Roux has depth as well as surface charm. The location in southern France is gorgeous; makes you want to live there, too. Have some chocolate nearby as you watch! The cooking scenes will make you crave it! Oh, and by the way, the DVD version of this film is very lovely. They have a couple of documentaries about the making of the film that are almost as charming and interesting as the film itself. Good stuff.
Rating:
Summary: Worth Watching
Review: Both my wife and I thought the premise sounded ridiculous and were reluctant to watch this. However, I made a last minute sweep of Blockbuster for our New Year's Eve movie watching and it was in plentiful supply so I grabbed a copy. Wow, what a surprise!!
We both loved it and it is now on my "buy" list. A cute story, wonderful photography, some excellent acting and a happy ending.
A great way to start 2002....
Rating:
Summary: A great Valentines Day movie!
Review: This movie was really very beautiful. The actors were very good, and I must add Johnny Depp was gorgeous in this movie! You should definately check this movie out and make sure you have a lot of choclate on hand, trust me, you'll be craving it mid-way through!
Rating:
Summary: A great movie for a chick flick
Review: To be honest, I do not like movies with females in them, particularly as the main characters. I especially dont like movies which have feminist overtones to them. This one, however, is an EXCEPTION! We have Vianne, the single mother of a girl who moves into the new town like a wind (the wind is a great metaphor in this movie), who helps her friend overcome an abusive marriage, another woman overcome the lack of passion in her marriage, helps the old man with the dog to overcome his fear and to ask out the widow, and helps the "nemesis", Mr. deComte, deal with his wife not returning to the town. I enjoyed this one thoroughly, which surprised me. I usually loathe feminist movies like First Wives Club, 9 to 5, and others. So, Male and Female alike, I would definately recommend this one.
Rating:
Summary: " Babette's Feast" with " Like Water for Chocolate" feel
Review: This is a unique movie with features and messages portrayed in " Babette's Feast (1988)" ASIN: B000053VBK and " Like Water for Chocolate (1993)" ASIN: 6305428476. The story has been told many ways. Yet this movie is still unique in its presentation. We get to visit with our favorite actors and they do such a good job that they do not overwhelm the characters. I especially liked Alfred Molina who played a similar role in "Enchanted April (1992)" ASIN: 6302728657 as someone that really was not a bad person; he was just misunderstood or has a misunderstanding and comes around later to be really a good guy. Like "Babette's Feast", everyone is supposed to shun Vianne Rocher who goes out of her way to help people. And like "Like Water for Chocolate" the movie has a mystical feel. Basic story is a town where everyone knows their place and duty is visited by a north wind caring a mysterious woman and her daughter. Their presents wakes up the people from their organized existence. The DVD has all the DVD goodies that you are looking for, such as voice over, deleted scenes etc. And they do not force the coming attractions on you.
Rating:
Summary: An overall beautiful film
Review: This is an overall beautiful film. There are many strong female performance in <Chocolat>, including Judi Dench and Juliette Binoche. Johnny Depp does not seem convincing as a wandering Irishman, but this is a minor flaw in a thoughful feel good film. 4.5 stars...
Rating:
Summary: melt my chocolate heart
Review: This is the best movie! It has a fairy tale like quality that will charm anyone. Just be prepared to make a chocolate run right after you watch this movie! Better yet, surprise your hunny with this DVD and spend a romantic evening curling up together with some chocolate mousse.
Rating:
Summary: This Chocolate was fantastic
Review: I must admitt i'm not into romantic movies most of the time i Don't care about it But THis Chocalat was Fantastic a lighthearterd movie witch you can sit back and enjoy what else could you expect with one of the most Adoreble and Charming Female actresses off all time Binoche, Olin and a great young talent wich i think Johnny Depp certainly is he sure has proving himself in the Crazy Tim burton movie and That marvellous true Maffia Story. Chocolat is a movie has it all a laugh a tear excitment and a good tasty feeling you can't get enough off it. This film could have an eternal playing it's like real chocalate when you eat the last piece you're still want another bite
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