Vicki L MorrisonYear – 2014 Time – 122 Minutes
In theatre’s now
Directed by – Lasse Hallstrom
Produced by – Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and Juliet Blake
Written by – Steven Knight
Based on, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” by – Richard C. Morais
Starring – Helen Mirren, Om Puri, Manish Dayal and Charlotte Le Bon
The Hundred-Foot Journey is a journey that I did not want to end. From the charming leads to the delectable looking food and the beautiful scenery this movie is a feast for the eyes.
Madame Mallory (Mirren) is the owner of the prestigious Le Saule Pieureur in a village in France. One of her notable clients is the president of France who dines there. The restaurant is her whole life.
Papa (Puri) is the head of the Haji family. He has three sons and two daughters. They have recently arrived from India via England. Fleeing from a horrible and tragic event Papa seeks a new life for his children and himself. While driving around the French countryside looking for a place to settle a scary incidence happens that makes Papa believe it is a sign to settle in the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.
Papa finds an abandoned restaurant across the street from the Le Saule Pieureur. Although Papa’s children think it is fool hardy, Papa insists it is the right thing to do. The restaurant in question is 100 feet away from the award winning Michelin star Le Saule Pieureur.
One of the Haji children, Hassan, has been training to be a cook his whole life. He has learned everything he knows from his mother and he has a great talent for mixing spices and creating delectable dishes. Hassan is played by Manish Dayal who is very charismatic. He commands every scene he is in.
Along the way, the Haji family meets the pretty and very charming Marguerite. Marguerite is a chef at Le Saule Pieureur. She is played by French Canadian actress Charlotte Le Bon.
This story is about family, loyalty, friendship, revenge, racism, triumph, respect and above all, love.
It may seem highly predictable and a bit farfetched but it is escapism at its best.
I loved this film and I highly recommend it. I give it 4 out of 5 Kernels and I rate it PG13.
