Weekends are the perfect time to kick back, prop up your legs on the pouffe, and watch a movie while savouring some delicious snacks. Speaking of food, but still unsure what to watch? Hold tight and check out the top 5 films related to the theme of our 114th magazine issue. Let’s go!
Julie & Julia (2009)
IMDB – 7/10
Rotten Tomatoes – 77%
And unveils this top list an American biographical comedy-drama by Nora Ephron, featuring starring roles by Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, along with supporting performances by Stanley Tucci and Chris Messina. The screenplay is based on two books: “My Life in France” (Julia Child’s autobiography) and “Julie & Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen” (memoir by Julie Powell, later retitled as “Julie & Julia: My Year of Cooking Dangerously”).
The film shows the pioneer years of Chef Julia Child taking on the culinary world in Paris, facing sceptics and challenges as the lone woman at Le Cordon Bleu. Simultaneously, we explore the life of Julie Powell, unsatisfied with her job, and finds motivation in cooking all 524 recipes from Child’s book in one year. She shares her thoughts, wins and failures in a blog that gained popularity among readers. While in the 1950s Child had collaborated on a French cooking book for American housewives, overcoming obstacles like reassignments and investigations, Julie garnered attention toward her blog – yet her marriage faces the heat as her priorities shift.
From Parisian kitchens to the blogosphere, these tales serve up a savoury blend of determination, inspiration, and a pinch of life's challenges.
Ratatouille (2007)
IMDB – 8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes – 96%
“Ratatouille” is the product of a collaboration between Pixar and Disney, immersing the viewer in an incredible journey through the streets of Paris. Rat Remy, a culinary guru, crosses paths with Linguini, a beginner cook at the notable French restaurant Gusteau’s. They meet during the toughest times and become best friends, overcoming challenges hand in hand. The narrative reaches its peak when the two friends clash over the visit of food critic Anton Ego, leading to a temporary rift in their friendship. However,, Remy and Linguini reunite and serve Anton the titular dish “Ratatouille” which returned him back to the best time of his life – childhood.
"Ratatouille" is not just a cooking tale; it is a story about hidden talents and the unpredictability of life. As “La Ratatouille” opens in place of Gusteau’s restaurant, the central theme emerges: follow your dreams, bounce back from failures, and cherish the power of friendship. In fact, true friends stand by you through successes and failures.
The Menu (2022)
IMDB – 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes – 88%
The 3rd movie “The Menu” is dramatically captivating, so be cautious not to eat your fingers with snacks! Directed by Mark Mylod in 2022, this American comedy horror film features a stellar cast including Ralph Fiennes, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicholas Hoult, and others. The storyline revolves around couples joining the fantastic dinner by the famous Chef Slowik (Ralph Fiennes). However, nothing is a piece of cake, as no one can predict what happens next. Chef Slowik serves delectable dishes, yet the price of these delicacies is high – he will reveal their deepest secrets.
The plot is full of violent and aesthetically pleasing scenes at the same time. Simultaneously, you can clearly see the purest dedication of staff to their Chef, where every word from him is treated as law. Each team member is ready to die for their Chef. A little spoiler, only one person could save his life – or is it her life? The movie ends with Chef Slowik and his staff embarking on their final mission. “The Menu” is definitely worth watching, yet be ready to uncover the power of burgers and French fries!
Umami (2022)
IMDB – 5.7/10
Another mesmerising movie starring Gerard Depardieu in the role of Gabriel Carvin. His character is a disappointed French chef chasing his past defeat by a Japanese rival. Embarking on a journey to find the best umami dish, he travels from France to Japan. Along the way, he discovers more about himself through food, blending French and Japanese flavours. Boasting a great cast of Japanese and French actors, the film becomes a harmonious blend of diverse cultures.
What sets narrative apart is its exploration of adult self-discovery. Depardieu's character, Gabriel, is funny and touching as he learns more about Japanese culture. The movie “Umami” is shown with the help of the French Institute, and it combines French, English, and Japanese languages for a rich cultural experience. The soundtrack, featuring Claude Francois' "Alexandrine Alexandra" and a Japanese childhood song, adds an intriguing layer to the film.
Eat, Pray, Love (2010)
IMDB – 5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes – 35%
The last but certainly not the least movie on this list is “Eat Pray Love," an American romantic drama starring Julia Roberts as Elizabeth Gilbert, based on Gilbert's memoir. Directed by Ryan Murphy, the film received mixed reviews but proved to be a financial success, grossing $204.6 million worldwide on a $60 million budget.
A New York Times bestseller, "Eat, Pray, Love," book served as an inspiration for the movie. Facing a crack in her marriage, Liz Gilbert decides to embark on a year-long trip to Italy, India, and Bali in the search for balance in her life. Throughout the movie, we can see how Liz pursues her goals. Julia Roberts, aged 43, plays the role convincingly, making the film an exciting adventure for fans of the book. Italy, with its delicious pasta and gelato, is remembered as the heart of world cuisine. India is associated with enlightening, meditation, and self-discovery, while Bali is the place where Liz reunites with her mentor Ketut Liyer and meets Felipe, the love of her life.
