Babette's Feast
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Movie Reviews of Babette's Feast
Movie Review: A great movie of our time!
Summary: 5 Stars
At the time I first reviewed it, I was not aware of the cult phenomenon status of this movie, probably just as well. Since then everyone to whom I have mentioned the movie simply lights up and glows in recollection. The central actor is a lady chef, fleeing from the horrors of Paris (and presumably La Guillotine), who finds refuge with two unmarried ladies in Jutland. The epicurean attitudes of the French refugee is in stark contrast to the stoic existence of the two employers, most definitely in the area of cuisine. Still, there is humor in the tiniest details, and it is the details that make the movie brilliant. The original review follows.
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This movie has a great many devoted fans, who view it regularly together in groups. I'm one of them. I'm a little behind, actually.
The story depicts a pair of puritanical Danish spinsters and a Parisienne master chef, who adopt each other, and their gentle and usually respectful attempts to understand each others' points of view. The implied criticism of puritanism seems to be the central theme of the story, but I think the movie transcends the limited aims of the original novel.
I believe the author of this story is also the author of Out of Africa. Perhaps it is her sardonic wit that provides the backbone for the humor in the movie, but the movie's genius simply defies analysis.
Your mileage will definitely vary, since the movie appeals to the experience of the viewer; those brought up in a strongly religious protestant home will probably appreciate the details a lot more. But I will take a risk, and recommend it without reservation to everyone.
Arch
Movie Review: More Than Just a 'Physical' Feast of Food
Summary: 5 Stars
Few directors choose to take anything more than very safe chances concerning any religious themes in the films they direct nowadays, but this film makes a seeming deliberate attempt to take the topic of Christianity head-on, and with absolutely beautiful and poignant results. Whereas many who view this film might fail to understand or comprehend the elaborate allegory relating to Christianity being unfolded in this film, not knowing this ahead of time actually contributes to the eventual discovery of the beauty of the allegory and its pageantry on display in this wonderful rendering of the story of Christ's Last Supper. Babette, the main character, prepares the most delicious and elaborate meal of the highest order that one could ever hope for in a lifetime of dining, and cooks all of it behind a veil of almost no recognition by her diners, who, having savored all, give virtually no real thanks to her for her genius at culinary artistry and the personal sacrifice of money made in their behalf. The parallel to Christ's Last Supper and His sacrifice through the Atonement is unmistakeable to those who are versed in this important central doctrine of Christianity. Notwithstanding this potentially overt treatment of a sensitive subject, those who seek to see other themes in this lovely film will also not go unrewarded. It is a film to be savored, and then watched and savored again, as was the feast that Babette prepared for her loved ones.Movie Review: Review without comment
Summary: 5 Stars
Lovely, delightful, charming re-telling of one of Karen Blixen's most characteristic stories. Huston's "The Dead" may have preceded and perhaps inspired it, but "Babette's Feast" is actually an even better, sweeter, more brilliantly acted, written and directed film. Personally, I lean more to Scandinavia than Ireland. I won't recount the plot, and I still can't understand why reviewers think that repeating the plot is a review: once is enough, please. Please. I can only make a few comments. First of all, the General's name is Lowenhielm, which means Lion Helmet, and he is not Danish in the slightest, even though he has a Danish aunt, but 100% Swedish. Jarl Kulle was one of Sweden's greatest actors. He died in 1997. Throughout the movie he is speaking in Swedish, which Danes can understand and vice versa. Not that it matters, but I would have thought that even an Amazon reviewer, although an American, would try to get things right. Secondly, this is a lovely and wonderful summing-up of life's traumas and vicissitudes. We have to face the slings and arrows that life hands us, and come out of it with chins up, still able to derive comfort from whatever fate delivers, whether it kills our spouse and child, or whether it suddenly offers us a winning ticket. There is a beauty and an artistry in giving to others, regardless of cost. We are all going to die, in the end. Why not give what we can, while we can?Movie Review: Northern starkness meets French cuisine
Summary: 5 Stars
Lovely, delightful, charming re-telling of one of Karen Blixen's most characteristic stories. Huston's "The Dead" may have preceded and perhaps inspired it, but "Babette's Feast" is actually an even better, sweeter, more brilliantly acted, written and directed film. Personally, I lean more to Scandinavia than Ireland. I won't recount the plot, and I still can't understand why reviewers think that repeating the plot is a review: once is enough, please. Please. I can only make a few comments. First of all, the General's name is Lowenhielm, which means Lion Helmet, and he is not Danish in the slightest, even though he has a Danish aunt, but 100% Swedish. Jarl Kulle was one of Sweden's greatest actors. He died in 1997. Throughout the movie he is speaking in Swedish, which Danes can understand and vice versa. Not that it matters, but I would have thought that even an Amazon reviewer, although an American, would try to get things right. Secondly, this is a lovely and wonderful summing-up of life's traumas and vicissitudes. We have to face the slings and arrows that life hands us, and come out of it with chins up, still able to derive comfort from whatever fate delivers, whether it kills our spouse and child, or whether it suddenly offers us a winning ticket. There is a beauty and an artistry in giving to others, regardless of cost. We are all going to die, in the end. Why not give what we can, while we can?Movie Review: Beautiful thanksgiving story
Summary: 5 Stars
Barbette a refugee from another world, Babette Hersant (Stephane Audran), seeks a simple life as a cook in a simple village. Both she and the villagers learn from each other. As luck would have it Barbette wins the lottery. She decides to give back something to the simple people that took her into their society in the form of a feast. She gives more than they realize.
This film has a depth that allows everyone to acquire something of value from its viewing.
It is exceptionally beautiful from a cinematic level. The story on the surface is strait forward. There are many underlying meanings, some universal and others will be personal to the viewer.
However some people could interpret that Barbette was doing something weird. Some may think it was sacrilegious as some of the people of the village saw it. Others may see this as she was showing off. Still others that with all of her winnings she was cheap to just give them a meal.
The decision not to eat the stuff is played out in other movies as "Theodora Goes Wild" where they are not going to meet a train. Again in "Chocolat" they suspected an ulterior motive. But this movie is more moving when you find out the truth behind the gesture and the cost.
Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)