Pages

Monday, October 12, 2009

Monday Movie MeMe--True Romance

There are a hundred and one movies that I could name as truly romantic, but none says it better for me than Chocolat.

What could be more romantic than a mysterious and sensuously beautiful woman (Juliette Binoche) who comes to a rigid puritanical village with her daughter to set up a chocolaterie.  She sets about the task of winning over the sexually repressed men and oppressed women by serving them chocolate that makes them want to do things they haven't thought of doing in years. And did I say Johnny Depp plays a heartbreakingly gorgeous gypsy who wins our lady's heart?

The mayor is outraged when Vianne Rocher sets up her shop across the street from the church and at Lent, of all things! Slowly, the town comes to accept and love Vianne and her daughter Anouk, but the mayor is determined to run her out of town. He almost succeeds and almost destroys her, but with the courage she finds in her newfound love and the strong bonds she has made with some of the women, she overcomes even the mayor's determination and stops running away from her life.

The supporting cast is stellar and includes Lena Olin, Leslie Caron, Alfred Molina, and one of my favorite actresses, Dame Judi Dench. Lasse Hallstrom directs.

If you haven't seen this wonderful movie, do yourself a favor and watch it soon. Thanks, Bumbles, for the theme.

27 comments:

The Bumbles said...

Oh I haven't seen this one yet. I'm not sure why? Johnny Depp is draw enough. Mmmm. I might get jealous though watching him fall for another woman.

Sandy Nawrot said...

I haven't seen it either, and am mystified as to why. Johnny Depp? Chocolate? Lord help me! I believe that chocolate can cure just about anything, including puritanical behaviour!

Char said...

love that movie!!

Natalie, the Chickenblogger said...

Love this movie!
It's a feast for the senses... at least it is if seen with a nice piece of the real thing!

NKP said...

I haven't seen this one either, I am really looking forward to it!

California Girl said...

Just a few wks ago I think it was Ruth (synchronizing) wrote a post about confusing Juliet Binoche and Julia Ormond. Were you in on that? It caused alot of discussion.

Love this movie. I could watch it again.

Cindy said...

funny you should mention Chocolat. I just bought a copy of it last week while looking through the stacks of DVDs at our local video store... seems they're selling more than renting these days. Wonderful movie!

ds said...

I loved the book. But the movie sounds even better. What a cast! Johnny Depp and chocolate--what a perfect combo...(I like Binoche & Molina & the inestimable Dame Judi too!) Sure hope this is on cable!

Susan said...

Molly, if you're a Johnny Depp fan you must see this movie! But Binoche is the main attraction! She gives such a great performance. It was nominated for five Academy Awards, and Judi Dench won a SAG award for best supporting actress.

Susan said...

Sandy, get thee to a rental place and get this movie! The scene where the mayor finally succumbs to the wiles of Mayan chocolate is priceless!

Susan said...

Char, you're a woman who knows a great movie when she sees one!

Susan said...

Natalie, one definitely needs some good quality chocolate to eat while watching this movie...it enhances the viewing enjoyment tremendously!

Susan said...

Natashya, you will love this movie! It will probably inspire you to make everything chocolate in your puppy kitchen! Unfortunately, the puppies won't be able to sample!

Susan said...

Cali Girl, I was in that discussion at Ruth's place...in fact, I'm pretty sure I talked about Chocolat. It is one of my favorite movies and I could watch it over and over...and I have!

Susan said...

Cindy, can you believe I don't own a copy of it?!! I need to remedy that right away! My son is always looking for hints for Christmas gifts, so maybe I'll put it on my list.

Susan said...

ds, it runs occasionally on cable, but not as often as I would like. I'm one of those people who, even if I own the movie (which I don't), I will watch my favorites on TV if I see them in the listings. I've never read the book, so I need to put that one on my reading list.

Ruth said...

Ok, I agree with the post, spot on. But how could so many of your readers not have seen "Chocolat"??? I'm stunned, shocked, dismayed!

:D

Susan said...

Ruthie, hehe, I guess we're just traveling in different circles. I have it on assurance that my un-Chocolat readers will be rectifying their loss very soon! :D

CottageGirl said...

I love that movie! Don't you love it when Leslie Caron says "chocolaterie"? I could keep on playing that part over and over .... or the part where Caroline hits her hubby on the head with the skillet and Juliette peels him off of her and then she laughs!

Of course the chocolat that is all over the movie is right up there with Mr.Depp and Dame Judy!

CottageGirl said...

Susan, you have to rent the movie to listen to the commentaries they have going as the movie plays. So interesting!
I have the movie and I know I must watch it at least once every couple of months!

VioletSky said...

This one is up there with Babette's Feast and Eat, Drink, Man, Woman as the best of the foodie movies.

Susan said...

CG, I love anything that Leslie Caron says! I love it that she plays some very interesting roles as she is getting older.

That scene with Caroline is one of the best in the movie!

That DVD commentary sounds fascinating! I'll have to get it soon.

Susan said...

Sanna, I love Eat, Drink, Man, Woman! It's one of my favorite Ang Lee movies! I haven't seen Babette's Feast and now I'm sure you will chastise for not seeing it! I'll try to remedy that! And soon!

Anonymous said...

I love this movie and I wouldn't mind being stuck in it with Johnny Depp! Good choice :)

Susan said...

Stacy, thanks for visiting my place! I could take being confined with Mr. Depp myself!

Dutchbaby said...

I ran over here to dip into your lovely blog again. You did not disappoint.

I love Binoche and adore this movie. Believe it or not, I did not "get" Johnny Depp until I saw this film and then I saw what all the hubbub was all about. His scenes with Binoche were steamy, smoldering... ooh la la!

Susan said...

dutchbaby, I wasn't a huge Depp fan until this movie either! He may be a little quirky or bohemian for me in real life, but in this role he's got it goin' on.

Thank you for the lovely words. I see by your profile that we have a lot of likes in common. Very cool!