CHOCOLAT

 "CHOCOLAT" - (2000)

MY THOUGHTS:

This is a beautiful movie! It is narrated like a "fairy tale," in spite of dealing with a great deal of life's realities: sinners, redemption, love, family, provincial attitudes, forgiveness, politics, small-town life, youth, old age and decadence (in the form of chocolate). It is very well-written and well-acted, by a cast of formidable actors and actresses. Because it takes place during the Lenten Season, it is a perfect choice for an "Easter movie," but it could be enjoyed any time of the year! It delights and entertains on all levels. Most definitely worth a watch!!

SYNOPSIS:

"When mysterious Vianne and her child arrive in a tranquil French town in the winter of 1959, no one could have imagined the impact that she and her spirited daughter would have on the community stubbornly rooted in tradition. Within days, she opens an unusual chocolate shop, across the square from the church. Her ability to perceive her customers' desires and satisfy them with just the right confection, coaxes the villagers to abandon themselves to temptation -- just as Lent begins."

STARRING:

Juliette Binoche, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina, Judy Dench, Peter Stormare, Carrie-Ann Moss and Leslie Caron.

SCREENPLAY:

Joanne Harris and Robert Nelson Jacobs

DIRECTOR:

Lasse Hallström

AWARDS & OTHER HONORS:

It was nominated for five (5) Academy Awards but won none of them.

It was nominated for thirty-five (35) additional awards, from various entities, and won seven (7) of them.