"The Hundred-Foot Journey" to Foody Paradise

From a young age, Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) was schooled in the art of savoring traditional Indian cooking by his mother. She taught him that food has a soul that holds cherished memories. When his family loses their restaurant and his beloved teacher in a political riot, the Kadams flee India for France. Papa Kadam (Om Puri) sees it as a sign when their brakes give out outside of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. A kind stranger, Marguerite, (Charlotte Le Bon) tows them to the village and shares the bounties of her garden with the hungry migrants. They can taste the soul in the local produce. Ignoring the protests of his frustrated children, Papa Kadam immediately sets up an Indian restaurant featuring his talented son as head cook.

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” across the street leads to Madame Mallory’s (Helen Mirren) acclaimed French restaurant (where Marguerite also works as a sous-chef). Their rivalry escalates to all-out war. Despite being on opposite sides of the warring factions, Hassan and Marguerite can’t deny their common passion for food. They put great care into their cooking. Food is more than nourishment, it is love: comforting, healing, and sensual. Sharing it bonds families and communities. It can even bridge cultures. But they get so caught up in the competition for fame and success, that they lose track of love.

This film is a foody’s feel good paradise. But it has more to say. It touches on our fear of outsiders and celebrates what immigrants bring to their host country. It shows how people from different cultures can find common ground.

curry omelette

In an interview about the film, executive producer Oprah Winfrey expanded, "Food blends cultures and allows us to have just a little peek into someone else's life... It is about a hundred foot divide between cultures." Winfrey chose the book on which the film is based as a "favorite summer read" in 2010. She said, "It’s about human beings coming to understand other human beings and more importantly, after you get to experience or step into somebody else’s shoes or see them for a real human being, how you understand that you’re really more alike than you are different.”

Partaking of this sweet confection, we get a chance to savor the pleasures we all enjoy: lush vibrant landscapes, delectable cuisine, funny family quirks, and the thrill of a first kiss. The very act of sharing cultural traditions removes the barriers that separate us.

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal
reelinspiration.blogspot.com

Reel Inspiration: About Films of Substance.

You may have noticed that I haven't written a review for a while. I've seen plenty of films but few have inspired a review. (Sundance winner, "Don't Let Me Drown," that screened at the AIFF, warranted a great review but I only had time to send out a quick summary.) Even the Oscar nominated films I saw were lightweight in regards to theme.

I considered writing a review of "Crazy Heart." I thoroughly enjoyed Jeff Bridges lived-in performance of the seedy, alcoholic, has-been Western singer Bad Blake as well as his musical performance (which earned him a well-deserved Oscar nod.) But, for me, there was something missing from this redemption story. When Bad finally decides to go to rehab, his father says something to effect that it won't be easy. Aside from a scene where his young girlfriend refuses take him back, it's damn easy. No difficult introspection going on here.

After seeing the trailer of, "The Last Station" I looked forward to reviewing this historic epic about the last turbulent days of Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy with his wife Countess Sofya . (Tolstoy's novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina" sparked the Tolstoyism movement.) One reviewer called "The Last Station" a romantic comedy, a romantic romp! Considering the subject, I hoped for something more. I found the feuding between Tolstoy and his aristocratic, drama-queen wife entertaining. (Helen Mirren deserved an Oscar for her role.) But I learned very little about Tolstoyism movement - just that they opposed private property (while Tolstoy owned a huge estate) and advocated sexual abstinence (while Tolstoy and Sofya had numerous children.) The main focus of the story is about who should get the rights to his novels after Tolstoy's death - his wife and muse Sofya or the Russian people. This plot line becomes repetitious, then tedious. But I enjoyed the pretty scenery and pretty love making (ironically!)

"The Last Station" and "Crazy Heart" are now playing at Crossroads Cinema. I would definitely recommend them for their Oscar caliber performances and entertainment value.

Of all the films I watched, the one with the most depth and importance was a sixty-minute documentary called, "389 Miles: Living the Border" by Tucson filmmaker Luiscarlos Davis. I generally don't review documentaries, but I am making an exception because this film is so relevant to the issues of our times. Luiscarlos, who grew up in the border city of Nogales, travels the length of the border to find the true and sometimes tragic stories. I was so moved by this film, that I immediately went on facebook and urged my friends to organize screenings to spread more understanding of border issues and the trials facing migrant workers.

Recognizing a pressing need, Luiscarlos is presenting his documentary around Arizona to create more understanding during these difficult transitional times. He has agreed to do free screenings; but because the film doesn't have distribution yet he must present the film himself. This is great because he has a personal connection with the issue that he can share. Please, consider arranging for a screening for your club, organization or church NOW.

Movie blessings!
Jana Segal

(Note: The host usually pays for the filmmakers' travel expenses and may make a donation towards the costs of preparing the film for distribution so even more people can see this powerful film.)

To arrange for a screening, e-mail the filmmaker Luiscarlos at: email@389miles.com

Watch the trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0kvjJXKYGs