Cover of Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)
I love the movie “Chocolat” – if you have never seen it – I would encourage you to do so. It is charming as well as has a universal appeal. We just finished watching it again and LOVE the characters in this movie and wonderful story it tells. “Chocolat” started as a best-selling book by Joanne Harris – then became a stage play and then a movie. It is very visual and has extraordinary characters that are colorful and full of life.
For me – I would have to say that I love a story that has many different layers to it – touching something deep inside. The lead character, Vianne (played by the great Juliette Binoche) is a woman who goes from place to place and tries to make a difference – setting up a chocolate shop in the center of town. She is seen as a radical because she goes against normal small town traditions. She believes that life is a celebration and she embraces every moment to do so – from brightening up lives that are broken and lost – to throwing a birthday party for the elderly woman who is her landlord – but also her friend, played by the incredible Judy Dench. But even though she is infectious and kind – she is also seen as a threat and outsider. The mayor of the town tries to run her out – but in the end, Vianne and her daughter decide to stay. She befriends some people from the riverboats or ‘pirates’ as her daughter calls them – and the leader is brilliantly played by Johnny Depp. (Johnny also writes some of his own music which he plays on the guitar and it is used in the soundtrack). The young minister of the small French town is torn – but wants to do the right thing for everyone – I believe his quote at the end of the movie is the best one – and it is seen on my video clip below. Follow the link on the video that says “Watch this on youtube” and you will be able to see the video to get a taste of the movie.
It is amazing how one life can affect so many – and change a whole town. I want to be a life that is like that – don’t you?
Enjoy, and have some chocolate 
God Bless
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