Chocolat (2001)
		Genre: Comedy/Drama Director: Lasse Hallström Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 121 Minutes Release Date: January 19, 2001 Official Website: http://www.miramax2000.com/chocolat Movie Trailer: View it now! Discuss and vote: Go to Forums	Cast: Juliette Binoche Victoire Thivisol Johnny Depp Alfred Molina Hugh O'Conor Lena Olin Peter Stormare Judi Dench Carrie-Anne Moss

Pickup Line: Mmmm…mmm…good!!

Quickie: A chocolate maker who travels all over spreading sweet cheer with her decadent treats meets some sour opposition when she blows into a conservative Christian town. Sin has never tasted so good!

The Long Review:

When asked the question, "Which is better, sex or chocolate?" a girl may say "Chocolate, definitely." Well, is it possible to have the best of both worlds? According to the movie "Chocolat," it is. Oooooh, it is. "Chocolat" tells the story of a chocolate maker extraordinaire, Vianne (Juliette Binoche), who travels with her daughter, Anouk (Victoire Thivisol) wherever the North Wind takes her, enticing and arousing townspeople with her exotic flavours (we mean the chocolate, you dirty-minded naughties!). You see, she's on a mission to "free" people from their inhibitions and get truly living…and what better way to accomplish such a feat than by feeding them decadent chocolate? When she blows into a little French village where tranquilite is the order of the day, her reception isn't so sweet. The mayor and resident Bible thumper, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina) sees her as the "helper of Satan" who causes people to indulge in sinful pleasure and commit indiscretions. God forbid they enjoy themselves and explore their sexuality. What follows is a look at the sensation that Vianne causes, the freedom of expression that she represents, and the sense of empowerment she inspires. Man, oh, man, chocolate is one stimulating and um…liberating snack!

"Chocolat" is so many things, indeed. It's a comedy. It's a romance. It's an erotic spectacle. It's a backlash at the narrow-mindedness of society and its inclination to judge. It's a sophisticated (and mouth-watering!) demonstration of the phrase "Don't knock it till you've tried it." It also addresses several deep-rooted issues ranging from the constraints of religion to the oppression of women, from sexual repression to the sheer bliss of surrendering to caprice. Who knew a movie about a delicacy could be so darn deep?

This movie boasts of strong performance from its cast. Juliette Binoche is perfect for the role of a "scandalous" single mother" who makes a living out of bringing people pleasure. (Again, we mean making chocolate…get your mind out of the gutter, my bebbies!) She's a knee-showing, bright colour-wearing chocolate maker who isn't afraid to take chances and just be herself amidst the whispers, dirty looks, and yes, snide church sermons preaching about her sinfulness. All we can say is, gee, Satan has never looked so good!

Johnny Depp delivers a credible performance as Roux, a "river rat," who sails the river, stopping from place to place to sell exotic jewels and the like. In his character, Vianne finds a match, perhaps even a soulmate. His character is simple, brooding, and confident…the ultimate complement to Juliette Binoche's.

Carrie Anne-Moss as Caroline Clairmont, an overly pious, protective mother, pulls off her role quite well, too. Her character is a far cry from butt-kicking Trinity in "The Matrix," we'll tell you that much! Alfred Molina as the power-preaching, offensively judgmental mayor does such a good job, you can't help hating his guts. And Victoire Thivisol as Juliette Binoche's well-adjusted and understanding daughter is commendable as well.

Overall, "Chocolat" is quite a treat. Its ending, although just a tad bit too convenient, is so nicely executed, you'll let it go. The movie appealed to Roger Ebert's sweet side, too. According to him, "The movie is charming and whimsical, and Binoche reigns as a serene and wise goddess." Go see it. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll think. You'll feel happy to be alive and free. You'll crave dessert. It's a film that tickles the senses and leaves you wanting some more. What else can we say? It's chocolate!

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Did you know?

• The director of "Chocolat" also directed other hits such as "Cider House Rules" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?"
• Juliette Binoche sure has exquisite taste. She turned down the lead role in "Jurassic Park" to star in France's most expensive movie ever, "Hussard sur let toit, Le." Hey, you can't blame a lady for having some class.
• Carrie Anne-Moss has made quite a transition from TV to movies. Do y'all remember her as Carrie Spencer in that bitch-eat-bitch show "Models, Inc."?
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