Food as life or as an expression of love.
For Eugenie and her boss Dodin their existence revolves around food. He is recognized as the supreme gourmet, she is his cook. While they have been together for over 20 years their romance has remained, at her insistence, only in the kitchen.
This is one of the great food films of all time. It is also one the greatest food porn films ever made. There is food pretty much in every scene and large chunks of this film is people cooking. Almost everything happens around what happens in the kitchen or the dinner table (for example most of the first half hour of this film is simply people cooking).
If you love food this film is for you. This is a film that should only play in theaters where full meals are served because this film is going to make you hungry. I am notoriously picky eater and I wanted everything that was on screen. Your mouth won't water but go into over drive.
Food aside, this is just a great drama/romance. Juliette Binoche shines as Eugenie and Benoit Magimel is magnificent as Dodin. The pair have a wonderful chemistry, no doubt enhanced by their once being an off screen couple. I was moved by their performances and I could physically feel their connection. There is a magic in the looks and gestures that adds volumes to the script. Frankly if the film works at all,it's because of the performances.
I loved this film. And while I know some may argue it is slight, there is a depth of feeling that make it one of the great treasures of 2023.
Highly recommended.
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