Critique: Chocolat is a wonderful, charming film. It radiates with a mystic mood that helps this fable suceed gracefully. Although Chocolat isn't the beautiful and brilliant new classics Lasse Hallstrom has created previously (think 87' Anton Glanzelius, 93' also Johnny Depp, and 99' Tobey Maguire) it is still a stunning film. It brings an important and correct point to surface and that is old traditions often no longer apply to the lives we live and can be wrong. If we can change them we can free ourselves from rigid systems and enjoy life. It also comes down on religion, or at least orthodox religion and makes some statements that ring true. Chocolat states that it is ok to indulge oneself, it isn't something to feel bad about.
Chocolat is highly enjoyable motion picture, with accurate commentary. Lasse Hallstrom's direction is as always brilliant. Rachel Portman's score is as always wondrous. Director of photography Roger Pratt brings some very inventive and melodic methods that further increase the quality of the film. Every actor delivered and I was especially impressed with the villian that Alfred Molina played. Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, and Carrie Anne-Moss were all very strong. Also, everyone seemed to be having fun, and enjoying the ride which helped us have fun also. It was a creative, delicious comedy full of rhythm and charm.
The jokes always worked and were delightfully subtle. Everything worked just right. Chocolat was a magical film, and I highly recommend it.
review by supernothingman |
