The Hundred-Foot Journey

The Hundred-Foot Journey

2014 122 Minutes

5 Stars

A marvelous story of a family who left India to eventually settle in a village in the south of France. They decide to open a restaurant—right across the street from a 1-Star rated Michelin restaurant. The new comers are loud, cook spicy food, the total opposite of the snobby Helen Mirrin's restaurant. The Indians are friendly, Miss Mirren's character is not. War is declared. Until the young chef, Hassan Kadam declares if you can't fight them, join them, and walks across the street. Boy meets girl, woman meets man, the village sighs with love. And a second star is rated. Laugh out loud funny. A movie to share with family and friends, or just enjoy alone.

Trailer 

Frida

English

122 minutes, 2002

16 and over

5 Stars

Oh. My. God! Even in English instead of Spanish, this is a Must See Film. Salma Hayak, Alfred Molina, the whole cast, were superb. There is sex in the film, and it can be pretty graphic, but not pornographic, but it is also required. Julie Taymor, the director, did a fantastic job. The special effects were, well, fantastic, and the music...ah, the music! The classical guitar got to me early on, and the tears were never far after that. Intellectually, I know I watched a movie, but emotionally, I was in it. It's a love story, but not a romance. It's an adult film by, for, and about adults. It will captivate you, draw you in, whether or not you believe in her politics or the openness of her marriage.

Trailer 

Un Coeur en Hiver (A Heart in Winter)

 

Un Coeur en Hiver (A Heart in Winter)

French, English subtitles

101 minutes, 1992

1994 BAFTA nominee, Best Foreign Language Film

5 stars

Maxime owns a violin shop that has been in the family for generations. His best and oldest friend, Stephane works for him where he builds, repairs,  and tunes violins. Maxime falls in love with the young and beautiful violinist, Camille. Camille, however, aims her passions toward the winter heart of the aloof Stephane. The music is Ravel and, one reviewer stated, is almost its own character in the film.  The acting is superb, the photography wonderful, and the music is sublime! This is a carefully crafted and filmed movie, there are no chase scenes, firearms, or unbridled sex scenes. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, this is not the film for you. If you desire beauty and a well-crafted story, this movie is for you.

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