Chocolat (2000) is a comedy-drama that happens in a small village in France during the 1950s. It follows Vianne Rocher, a chocolatier arriving in the quiet community resulting in residents opening up to new possibilities. I easily get interested in movies that cover tightly-knit communities and the dynamics within, so I liked the film. It had a predictable story and a slow screenplay that won’t be fancied by most. Chocolat is available on Netflix and scores a ‘Raw’.
Vianne Rocher, a single woman and her daughter live like nomads moving from one town to another, staying in each place for some time but never burying their roots anywhere. During one such trip, they arrive in this village run by a conservative mayor. The villagers are highly religious and are observing fast for the Lent period when Vianne opens the door to her irrespirable chocolate shop. Seeing the thick chocolate milk poured hot by her character into a cup, made me crave for one and I had to eat a whole bar of Lindt chocolate to get past it. Juliette Binoche brings to life the character of Vianne Rocher, who displays a detached love for the residents. Judi Dench (famous as ‘M’ in James Bond films) comes as the affectionate land-lady, supporting Vianne at every step. I liked the character of Josephine Muscat (the wife of the local bartender who gets ill-treated) played well by Lena Olin.
Chocolat starring Juliette Binoche
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