Chocolat (DVD)

When I first saw the trailer for this film, I knew I had to see it. I know, one shouldn't "judge a book by its cover", but a movie where chocolate is practically the central character was totally irresistible for someone who is known in certain Internet circles as "The Chocolate Lady". That, and an amazing cast, was what pulled me into the movie theater. But the charm of this film - despite some critics calling it contrived - was what made me purchase the DVD. The Story: "Once upon a time there was a quiet little village in the French countryside - whose people believed in 'Tranquilite' - Tranquility." Simply ...  Read the complete review

Based on a novel written by Joanne Harris in 1999 Chocolat is a comic fable about how just one taste of life's pleasures can change a person, a relationship and a town. It is a tale of temptation, repression and the liberating powers of the senses, a comedic story of an escalating town war, sparked by the passions and fears aroused by the arrival of a mysterious chocolate shop. At the heart of the story is Vianne Rocher,(Juliette Binochet) a woman possessed with special powers who arrives in the French village of Lansquenet, following the north wind. By her side is her six year old daughter, Anouk(Victoire Thivisol) who also possesses the same powers. Vianne's ...  Read the complete review

Chocolat is the story of Vianne, a lonely traveller who wonders from place to place with her young daughter Anouk. When they find themselves in s small French town, Vianne decided to open up a chocolatiere, but her small business causes huge ripples throughout the Catholic villagers. Is she some sort of witch? When Vianne starts to make friends with the abused Josephine and persuades her to get away from her aggressive husband people see that as another sign that she is out to make trouble. With the parish leader planning to close her business and Irish travellers entering the town, the residents have to face their morals and ideas head on…. Chocolat ...  Read the complete review

Sunday afternoons involve ironing - a chore that I put off all week if I possibly can. Recently I have got into the routine of doing the ironing while watching one of the many DVDs that come my way, that I haven't had time to sit down and watch. This week it was the turn of Chocolat. I had previously read the book, written by Joanne Harris, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and had not seen the film before. If it is a film that is based on a book, I try to read the book first so I can build up my own pictures of what I am reading, rather than see the film and then try and fit the film scenes into the book. This does mean, however, that sometimes the film seems ...  Read the complete review

I love Chocolate. I love Johnny Depp. Is it possible that you still don't know which way I am leaning with this film? Directed By: Lasse Halstrom Written by: Robert Nelson Jacobs Screenplay by: Joanne Harris Film Length: 117 minutes DVD Release Date: November 2001 Classification: 12 certificate RRP: 19.99 (at the time of release) Amazon price: £5.97 Leading Actors: (Performances rated by up to 5 stars) Juliette Binoche - Vianne Rocher **** Judi Dench - Armande Voizin ***** Johnny Depp - Roux **** Victoire Thivisol - Anouk Rocher **** Alfred Molina - Comte Paul de Reynaud ...  Read the complete review