Average Rating: 
Rating: - A bittersweet tale enhanced by a superb ensemble cast
"Chocolat" tells a fable-like story of a young single mother (played by Juliette Binoche) who, with her young daughter, drifts into a small French village in the mid-20th century. She sets up a chocolate shop, but her efforts to bring some fun to the repressed villagers bring her into conflict with the town's tyrannical mayor (well played by Alfred Molina). "Chocolat" is beautiful to see and hear. The fanciful sets and the playful score by Rachel Portman enhance the fairy tale atmosphere of the story. Although there are some unsatisfying loose threads in the script, the story as a whole is delightful. And while the film's message--about the importance of tolerance--may be a bit obvious, it's still worth thinking about. Director Lasse Hallstrom showed his skill at handling a large ensemble cast in "the Cider House Rules," and he does an equally satisfying job here. And what a cast! Juliette Binoche is excellent in the lead role; both elegant and earthy, she is an enthralling screen presence. The great Judi Dench sinks her teeth into a supporting role as a grouchy landlady who has a tender spot for her young grandson. Johnny Depp is charming as Binoche's love interest, and Hugh O'Conor is absolutely delightful as the baby-faced village priest who secretly loves the music of Elvis. To sum up, "Chocolat" is an appealing comedy-drama with some real touches of magic.
Rating: - A Movie You Won't Want To Miss
Roger Ebert really sort of summed it up by saying : "It's the sort of movie you can enjoy as a superior fable, in which the values come from children's fairy tales but adult themes have been introduced."I'd add to that by saying : It's the type of movie that's perfect for a Sunday afternoon viewing... It doesn't overwhelm you with a lot of fast paced, rich detail that challenges your brain on it's day off from work, but instead just slowly draws you into a sweet story that'll put a smile on your face and a tear in your eye occasionally... Juliette Binoche is REALLY aging well, and a real JOY to watch on screen... and I enjoyed the character portrayals from the other main and supporting characters as well ... Many of the characters you will recognize from other solid character portrayals in other films... Peter Stormare [ Remember the BAD guy : Gaer Grimsrud in 'Fargo', how could you forget him, right? ] and Lena Olin, a favorite of mine, who also appeared in 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' with Juliette Binoche, just to name two... Maybe not 'Best Picture' even though it certainly deserves the nomination, but certainly a good one in a lean year... A movie well worth seeing when you're in a mellow mood... GOOD one!... Don't miss it.
Rating:  - Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hand
Joanne Harris, the writer of the novel, Chocolat, is apparently a confectionery genius, for this story leaves a wonderful taste in your mouth. Although I have not read the novel, the movie is delightfully rich and creamy. Vianne (Juliette Binoche) is a "chocolatier extraordinaire," having the best chocolate in all of France and possibly the entire world. She and daughter, Anouk, set up shop in a small French village rife with religious zealots led by the mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), who is intent on keeping the town chocolate-less. It is the timeless game of religious piety versus sincere brotherly love as portrayed in the lead characters. Vianne seeks to sweeten the lives of the villagers in town with her secret panacea, especially the religious rejects like Armande Voizin (Judi Dench). She is a crusty old woman, the antipathy of her daughter, forbidden to see her own grandson living in town. Moreover, there is an abused wife (Lena Olin), who finds refuge from her husband, not in the church, but in the chocolate shop. And finally, if this is not enough to drive a group of religious fundamentalists insane, there is Roux (Johnny Depp), a member of the River Rats, a nomadic tribe of gypsies, who develops an interest in Vianne. What will become of this little village? Will chocolate win out in the end, or will the town remain a traditional vanilla? Binoche is sweeter than chocolate in the lead role, and equally impressive is Molina in his role as the mayor. Judi Dench and Lena Olin put in outstanding performances in their supporting roles as well. This is a movie with substance, dealing with societal issues; and furthermore, showing the power of human kindness and tolerance for those with differing lifestyles. This one melts in your mouth, not in your hand.
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