Starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp
The lyrical romance isn’t the best movie of the year. It makes no grand statement about the human condition. There aren’t even any beheadings or sword-wielding showdowns.
But to listen to the critical backlash that the Best Picture nominee currently is receiving would be to ignore a warm, slight movie that retains a sweet outlook on the human ability to change. The preponderance of pessimism in critical favorites melts away, revealing a “Chocolat” heart of gold.
This isn’t one of those for-a-lark costume dramas where it’s considered comedy when the women titter after hearing the word “bum.” Instead, the joyousness is understated as a clear message is sent: Enjoy yourself.
The strength of the “once upon a time” tale lies in a joyous script and actors who aren’t afraid to look weak or soft. The driving force is wrapped in Juliette Binoche’s portrayal of Vienne, a single mother with a unique gift for creating romance-inducing confections.
Are love and sex as simple as a hint of chili pepper and milk chocolate? In a wintery French town with equally cold residents, a touch of warmth spreads like wildfire. The story immediately thrusts Vienne into a rivalry with the church and the uppity moral center of the town, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina).
The mayoral man acts like if he had a longer moustache, he would twirl it. He even resorts to gossiping in order to keep his hold on the somber, God-fearing town.
Slowly, though, the mysterious chocolate-toting mother and her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol) work their magic. In one of the best scenes, an old man finally gathers the courage to ask out a widow he has fancied the past 30 years. There must be something special in those sweet, sweet things.
There’s something special in Binoche as well. She wears a variety of hats here: she’s a mother, a mother-figure to the outcast townspeople and a fighter for personal freedom. Her knowing glance and understated strength both carry the story and are the hooks to hang the movie on.
Vienne’s greatest triumph comes when she helps her landlord enjoy her last days. Armande (Judi Dench) adds a bit of vinegar to the mix through her memorable conversations and the strained interactions between her and her family.
The conflict eventually dominates, with Reynaud organizing his town against Vienne and some river rats who share the need for a more communal and fun atmosphere. This sets up the inevitable romance between Vienne and the dashingly dirty and handsome Roux (Johnny Depp).
That’s when the subtle paradox sets in: When does the mother stop caring for everyone else and enjoy the world she creates?
Binoche’s Oscar-worthy performance almost is matched by the beloved Dench. She far surpasses her acclaimed role in the similarly humanistic “Shakespeare in Love.” She doesn’t mug or need attention, her presence just demands your eyes. As she hobbles in and out of the shop, each step shows just how much pain she will put herself through to find happiness in good company and a sip of hot chocolate.
The lasting themes, though, feel similar to stepping out for the first warm day of spring. Sure, there will be better and brighter days. But it’s something wonderful to look forward to.
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