The Hundred-Foot Journey
Thursday September 4, 2014 | By:Tony Baksa |
Three suns.
HAMBURG — Director Lasse Hallstrom has given us quirky, moody comedies with a gentle storybook touch: “The Cider House Rules,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Chocolat.” He is back to enchant us again with a lovely human comedy, “The Hundred-Foot Journey.”
Based on a novel by Richard C. Morais, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” tells the tale of a family seeking success on their own terms. They come to France, leaving tragedy and loss behind them in Mumbai, full of talent, ambition and love. At the center of this journey is Hassan, a young, gifted cook eager to elevate himself to chef status. With support from his formidable father, there is no question he will succeed. His success is not the story. His journey to culinary stardom is.
Hassan’s father, referred to as “Papa” in the film, is a force of nature. Papa collides with another force of nature, Madame Mallory, who owns a renowned French restaurant across the street from where he plans to open an Indian eatery. What ensues is a battle of cultures. Played by seasoned actors Om Puri as Papa and Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory, their frequent skirmishes are delightfully comic and heartwarming. These two charismatic pros anchor a movie that teaches tolerance and grace without ever getting preachy or maudlin.
Manish Dayal, as Hassan, couldn’t be more perfect as he shares his culinary love with another chef, Marguerite, portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon. Of course they fall in love. And their road to love is as bumpy as their road to fame. This movie isn’t concerned with the bumps. It’s the hundred-foot journey that Hassan, Papa and Madame Mallory take that bring a soulful peace to all, the distance between the establishments run by Papa and Madame Mallory.
This film symbolizes how close we all are to fulfilling our dreams and the obstacles in our way. Hallstrom provides beautiful visuals — a long country road that seems to stretch into infinity divides the two properties — just a hundred feet is the distance to understanding.
Here is another “foodie” movie that will send you out of the theater and into the nearest restaurant. I settled for a hot food and salad bar that fortunately offered both Indian and French cuisine, located five minutes from the theater. With close-ups of samosas, sea urchin and French omelets, you will be salivating too.
Directed with gauzy luster and cozy sentimentality, Lasse Hallstrom sustains the fairytale quality that feels nostalgic.
Produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is that rare family film that doesn’t pander It is a fine moral and entertaining movie that inspires the very best in human nature.
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” is currently playing in theaters.
HAMBURG — Director Lasse Hallstrom has given us quirky, moody comedies with a gentle storybook touch: “The Cider House Rules,” “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” and “Chocolat.” He is back to enchant us again with a lovely human comedy, “The Hundred-Foot Journey.”
Based on a novel by Richard C. Morais, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” tells the tale of a family seeking success on their own terms. They come to France, leaving tragedy and loss behind them in Mumbai, full of talent, ambition and love. At the center of this journey is Hassan, a young, gifted cook eager to elevate himself to chef status. With support from his formidable father, there is no question he will succeed. His success is not the story. His journey to culinary stardom is.
Hassan’s father, referred to as “Papa” in the film, is a force of nature. Papa collides with another force of nature, Madame Mallory, who owns a renowned French restaurant across the street from where he plans to open an Indian eatery. What ensues is a battle of cultures. Played by seasoned actors Om Puri as Papa and Helen Mirren as Madame Mallory, their frequent skirmishes are delightfully comic and heartwarming. These two charismatic pros anchor a movie that teaches tolerance and grace without ever getting preachy or maudlin.
Manish Dayal, as Hassan, couldn’t be more perfect as he shares his culinary love with another chef, Marguerite, portrayed by Charlotte Le Bon. Of course they fall in love. And their road to love is as bumpy as their road to fame. This movie isn’t concerned with the bumps. It’s the hundred-foot journey that Hassan, Papa and Madame Mallory take that bring a soulful peace to all, the distance between the establishments run by Papa and Madame Mallory.
This film symbolizes how close we all are to fulfilling our dreams and the obstacles in our way. Hallstrom provides beautiful visuals — a long country road that seems to stretch into infinity divides the two properties — just a hundred feet is the distance to understanding.
Here is another “foodie” movie that will send you out of the theater and into the nearest restaurant. I settled for a hot food and salad bar that fortunately offered both Indian and French cuisine, located five minutes from the theater. With close-ups of samosas, sea urchin and French omelets, you will be salivating too.
Directed with gauzy luster and cozy sentimentality, Lasse Hallstrom sustains the fairytale quality that feels nostalgic.
Produced by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” is that rare family film that doesn’t pander It is a fine moral and entertaining movie that inspires the very best in human nature.
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” is currently playing in theaters.
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