Opened: December 22, 2000

Directed by: Lasse Hallström

Starring: Juliette Binoche, Victoire Thivisol, Judi Dench, Alfed Molina, Lena Olin, Johnny Depp, Hugh O’Conor, Carrie-Anne Moss, Aurélien Paren-Koenig, Peter Stromare, Hélène Cardona, Antonio Gil, Elisabeth Commelin, Ron Cook, Leslie Caron, John Wood, Michèle Gleizer, Dominique MacAvoy, Arnaud Adam, Christianne Oliveira, Sally Taylor-Isherwood & Tatyana Yassukovich

Proving that a bit of clean mischief can lift the moods of everyone around you, Chocolat is a seductive and funny romance that rises above usual stereotypes.

Vianne (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol) move to a small French town where they are taken in by Armande (Judi Dench) and looked down upon by the conservative mayor (Alfred Molina). Between opening a chocolaterie during Lent and welcoming river-rat Roux (Johnny Depp), Vianne breaks all the rules.

Binoche is spirited in the lead role and brings a sense of warmth in every scene. Meanwhile, Dench has several standout scenes that make her character fun.

This film focuses on a quiet revolution – even if there’s not meant to be one – and watching the town’s small yet numerous developments throughout is satisfying.

Final say: Who can say no to Chocolat? ★★★★☆