"Where Movie Critics Get A Taste Of Their Own Medicine!"

Will "Chocolat" melt in your mind?
by Herb Kane

March 23, 2001


out of 4 stars (PG-13)

CRITIC DOCTOR EXAMINES: Rita Kempley (Washington Post), Michael Elliott (christiancritic.com), Michael Dequina (filmthreat.com), Phil Boatwright (moviereporter.com), Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times)

I didn't know what to expect from "Chocolat." When it was over, though, I couldn't help but wonder if Jesus served chocolate at the Last Supper.

"Chocolat" is about Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her child (Victoria Thivisol) who are literally blown into a small French village in the winter of 1959. Here she opens a small chocolate shop in the midst of Lent season. This does not set well with this placid community. She ends up converting citizens to love her sinful chocolate and it turns the community upside down.

Rita Kempley (Washington Post) said, "It's clear from their cloaks, modeled after the one sported by Red Riding Hood, that this is no ordinary pair. Their vivid, magical garb stands out against the drab, gray village, just as their passion contrasts with the pinched faces of the citizenry."

Imagine yourself for a moment walking into a church flat out naked and what kind of a reaction you would get. That's exactly the kind of friction Vianne faces with her chocolate shop. She's not a religious woman, mind you, and she refuses to attend church. And yet there is a presence about her more Christian than any church character in the film. That's what makes this film interesting - a must see for those who judge people outside of their organized faith.

Michael Elliott (christiancritic.com) said, "As one of the characters states in the film, our godliness is not measured by what we don't do, but rather it is defined by what we do. Our actions should be deliberate, always motivated by love and not merely a habitual response to a tradition or ritual."

Exactly! You would expect those of Christian faith (and I am one) to be motivated by love when confronting those who do not believe in God or simply like to eat chocolate during Lent. Vienna's sweet demeanor far exceeds her delicacy, but some critics find this nauseating.

Michael Dequina (filmthreat.com), "I can understand and even appreciate Hallstrom's aim of making a nice, fairy tale-like picture for the holiday season, but even the most warmhearted intentions can be too much, and 'Chocolat' takes that extra step into overkill."

Well if a movie is going to have too much sugar, Michael - it might as well be one called "Chocolat." I think this sweetness, though, is balanced out by the problems harbored by many villagers. Vianne confronts an abused wife, a very cranky landlady, and a lonely religious leader. This interaction keeps everything interesting. One critic, however, is mad the movie is not as sweet about religion itself.

Phil Boatwright (crosswalk.com) said, "But the Weinstein brothers prefer to mock and attack hypocrites rather than acknowledge those who practice their faith."

Since when did the Weinstein brothers sign a contract with "Cloud Ten Pictures" or the "Trinity Broadcasting Network?" Why don't you try to show a little compassion? Got chocolate? Besides, this movie doesn't ridicule religion.

Roger Ebert (Chicago Sun-Times) got it right: ""Chocolat" is fairly easy on the local establishment--they're not evil people, although they resent outsiders like the Depp character; they're more like tranquil sleepwalkers who wake up to smell the coffee, or in this case, the chocolate." The movie actually focused on improving organized religion by helping its members.

Boatwright summed the movie up best: "'Chocolat' brilliantly reminds us of how easy it is to become so sanctimonious that we neglect to love one another. And it does so with exceptional performances and a storyline complete with enough twists and turns to keep you glued to the screen."

Anyone and everyone who believes in God should open their bible to Mark 12:30-31 read Jesus' greatest commandments. The words should melt in your heart, and not in your mouth: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.'"

Of course, I don't have any movie critics for neighbors. :-)

--CRITIC DOCTOR

© Copyright 2001 by Herb Kane
All rights reserved.

CAST:

Vianne: Juliette Binoche
Anouk: Victoire Thivisol
Roux: Johnny Depp
Pere Henri: Hugh O'Conor
Josephine: Lena Olin
Serge: Peter Stormare
Armande: Judi Dench

DIRECTOR: : Lasse Hallstrom
PRODUCERS: David Brown, Kit Golden, Leslie Holleran
SCREENPLAY: Robert Nelson Jacobs, based on the novel by Joanne Harris
U.S. DISTRIBUTOR: Miramax Films
RELEASE DATE: 12.15.2000
RUNNING TIME: 121 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Sexual situations, mild profanity)