Movie- Chocolat (2000)

Chocolat

Director:  Lasse Hallstrom

Stars:  Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Alfred Molina, Johnny Depp

Chocolat takes place in a small town in France where people follow the rules.  They go to church every Sunday, they don't indulge during Lent, they follow the example of their mayor, Compte De Reynaud (Alfred Molina), who prides himself on discipline.  He goes so far in leading by example that he edits the sermons each week. 

Enter Vianne (Juliette Binoche)- she goes where the North Wind blows, and it's swept her into town, where she opens a chocolaterie (during Lent, no less), outraging the town and the Compte.  She encourages the townspeople to indulge and gets close to Armande (Judi Dench), who has been banned from seeing her grandson, as she is seen as a bad influence on him by her daughter.

Chocolat has something in common with one of last year's nominees, The Cider House Rules- the two films share the same director, Lasse Hallstrom.  The two films are similar in pace- both are plodding, deliberate films, and both involve characters seeking adventure.  Whereas Tobey Maguire's character in Cider House Rules sought to change only his life, however, Chocolat's protagonist seeks to change others, to stir things up for everyone.

I found Chocolat to be a bit exasperating in parts.  Juliette Binoche's character in particular comes off as obnoxious at times- she has a knowing smirk every time someone samples her chocolate.  Alfred Molina's glare gets a bit old as well, although near the ending he does have a funny scene.  Overall, I didn't hate Chocolat, but can't recommend it, either.