Review #14 | "Chocolat" (2000)

A charming film reminiscent of it's era, yet lost in time altogether. This film comes on what may be considered the last wave to romantic dramas quintessential of the late 20th century, but the integrity of this film cannot be compromised by the approaching industry changes of the 2000's and beyond. That kind of ambiguity is very present in this film almost serving as a character itself. After all, "Chocolat," at it's heart, is a story of finding one's definition of "home" among a world of uncertainty and ambiguity.

Visual symbols abound in this charming film, color being the most predominant. The characters who are not native to the Village especially exemplify this concept, especially Vianne, Anouk, and Roux. Their signature color, red, serves dual meanings of 1) life against a sea of darkness and 2) warnings of sin and change to those with prejudice in their hearts. In the end, color seems to be more of a style choice than ever before among the people who have been enlightened not by the church, by Vianne's determination.

Costuming is one of the contributing factors toward "Chocolat's" unique ambiguity. Although the film was made in 2000, the village seems to be stuck in time from anywhere between 1930-1970, leaving the audience to wonder how the themes of home, religion, war, and love have been displayed throughout recent history. This film is not meant to have a timestamp, a notion which is highlighted by the narration of the film. The audience may choose to believe Vianne is narrating the events, yet at the end we learn that her daughter, Anouk, is the one facilitating our journey all along. Perhaps the absence of time speaks to the transcendence of the two warring factions of the film: tradition and change.

One cannot go wrong looking for a feel-good movie with a cast like this. Juliette Binoche all but carries the film with her grace and poise, or perhaps it is that certain je ne sais pas which French women seem to possess and we all seem inclined to replicate in some fashion. Alfred Molina appears as the stern, traditional mayor who seeks to remove the temptation of chocolat and all that it implies. Johnny Depp plays the wandering river-man Roux who is not only romantically involved with Vianne, but also serves as her counterpart. They stimulate each other emotionally and intellectually the way only two drifters can. Johnny Depp is always a delight to watch and he gives a clean performance without all the fanfare and costuming that is now associated with him. He even plays the guitar in this movie - a showcase of talent which enhances his character's "down-home" theme. Judi Dench illuminates the screen with integrity and wholesomeness, admittedly some of warm-tingly feelings you walk away from the film holding onto.

Overall, "Chocolat" is a feelgood romantic drama for a lazy afternoon or to fulfill a need for nostalgic, culturally fantastic "soulfood." Sidenote, "Chocolat" is definitely not a film for dieters by ANY means, but is still a highly enjoyable experience. Try to live vicariously, at least.

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"Chocolat" is rated PG-13 and runs 121 mins.

Starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, Alfred Molina, and Judi Dench. Directed by Lasse Holström.