Sunday, March 29, 2015

The Hundred Foot Journey 2014


The Hundred-Foot Journey


     Political violence in India cost the Kadam family their restaurant business and they also lost their wife/mother to the same fire.  They tried to start another restaurant and establish a home in London but it was not working out.  They decide to try running a restaurant in France.  On a winding mountain road their brakes stop working and they are almost in an accident.  A young woman, Marguerite helps them and they decide to stay in the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.  They don’t realize they will be in competition with a Michelin star French restaurant across the street.  Madame Mallory owns this establishment and she does not like competition.
     This film reminds me of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and Chocolat.  There are problems here and more than the restaurant competition.  Too predictable and also bland are two problems.  This is supposed to be about spicy Indian food but no spice here.  Also about very intricately crafted French food but there is sameness and themes from other films.  Also, Madame Mallory is so stiff, she is almost lifeless, not far from a window mannequin?  How can viewers relate to her or the complexities of her life?  3* (This movie is OK)

122 min, Drama directed by Lasse Hallstrom with Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal, Charlotte Le Bon, Amit Shah, Farzana Dua Elahe, Dillon Mitra, Aria Pandya, Michel Blanc, Clement Sibony, Vincent Elbaz.

Note:  Imdb 7.3 out of 10, 68% critic 81% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 2*.
Special Note:  Mirren was nominated for a Golden Globe and Women Film Critics Circle Award for best actress in her role.  Journey is listed as a comedy or musical for the awards but I didn't find this film a comedy?







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