The Hundred-Foot
Journey. Rated PG (mild themes and infrequent coarse language). 122 minutes. Directed
by Lasse Hallström. Screenplay by Steven Knight. Based on the novel by Richard
Morais.
Verdict: A simple
yet involving story, beautifully told.
In the midst of
Marvel Studios’ quest for global cinematic domination comes this gorgeous film
about prejudice, food and the importance of healing life’s painful experiences
by refusing to be defeated by them.
When political
tensions erupt into violence, Papa (Om Puri) and his family flee their Mumbai
restaurant and travel to Europe where Papa dreams of rebuilding their lives.
After becoming stranded in a quaint French village, Papa purchases a
dilapidated building and opens an Indian restaurant directly opposite Madam
Mallory’s (Helen Mirren) famously upmarket establishment.
Knight’s
by-the-numbers adaptation of Morais’ novel provides the perfect blueprint for
the stylish Hallström (Chocolat, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape) and his
cinematographer Linus Sandgren (American Hustle) to deliver a sumptuously
styled and photographed romance to the screen.
Puri and Mirren
are delightful as the formidable elders, while Manish Dayal’s performance as
Hassan (the eldest son who is a brilliant cook) perfectly captures the
wide-eyed innocence and vulnerability of a young man on the cusp of greatness.
While Puri and Mirren get all the fun of the spirited combat, it is Dayal who
convincingly reveals the story’s heart and soul with a beautiful, revelatory
performance of heart-melting sincerity.
Charlotte Le Bon
is perfect as Marguerite, an ambitious and equally talented young chef employed
by Madam Mallory, who refuses to allow her romantic feelings for Hassan to
distract her from becoming a renowned chef.
It feels like a
long time since we’ve experienced such a rich and beautifully told story in the
cinema. The Hundred-Foot Journey’s over-riding message – that sometimes the solution
to life’s troubles might be closer than you imagined – is a memorable and
important one.
Just remember to
eat before you go.
This review was
commissioned by the West Australian Newspaper Group.
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