The Hundred Foot Journey (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – The Kadam family leaves India for France where they open a restaurant directly across the road from Madame Mallory’s Michelin-starred eatery.

My Take – A film which narrates a clash of two of the world’s oldest & beautiful cultures throw their culinary showcase, while starring some of the best actors from both regions under the production of Steven Spielberg & Oprah Winfrey, what could go wrong? Well exactly! Almost nothing! Just like the title suggests, the film engrosses the viewers well enough to send them on a journey themselves. You will laugh, you will smile, you will wonder, you may even cry and you will be immersed in the surroundings of a picture of a not so friendly small town in South France where two beautiful (and oh yummy mouth watering delicious!) cultures clash, mingle, and eventually harmonize.

The movie may even easily seem like a Disney film due to the very subtle and harmonious tone, with no significant ups or downs, clash or surprises. The movie weaves in a light-hearted humor throughout, yet honestly depicts the awkwardness and tension between the newly arrived Indian family and the local French townspeople. The struggles faced by the Indian diaspora, is explored with sincerity and comedy. Another point I would like to note is that the movie presents an excellent characterization of the type of globalization our society has come to bear. The only problem I had with the film, it appeared as the last 30 minutes of the film was kinda rushed, not giving much insight into why our lead character decides to go back etc. Talented, respected, British star Helen Mirren is at her best showing her uncanny ability in artfully playing a French woman with impeccable taste, she makes you loath her & then fall deeply in love with her character. Bollywood actor Om Puri strikes a perfect note, his lines are probably the most memorable in the movie as well as his sparkling chemistry with Helen Mirren’s character.

Manish Dayal and beautiful Canadian Charlotte Le Bon are a delight to watch. On the whole The Hundred Foot Journey succeeds in every department! The premise, the acting, the setting, the cinematography, the music mix well in this charming film based on love, food, marketing, cultural differences and acceptance. Directed by Lasse Hallström (“Chocolat”, “Salmon Fishing in the Yemen”) this is a pleasant, un-challenging and stress-relieving way to spend two hours of your time, However, make sure you go in well fed else you will get very very hungry!