Beautifully cast, the performances are all delectable, especially that of lead Juliette Binoche. However, the characters are all bogged down with traits that telegraph their entire personalities in a matter of seconds and leave little to further discovery as the film progresses. Vianne opens a chocolaterie filled with irresistible confections of her own making, based on secret recipes handed down to her from her mother. Vianne has a mysterious knack for being able to guess each person's favorite chocolate treat, and also makes no secret of her never-married status. Her behavior and her temptations are the whispered buzz of the town.
Appetites become aroused and desires piqued.
The order of traditional life in the village soon becomes threatened. Austin Chronicle Corp. All rights reserved.