FCCB FILM FORUM

CHOCOLAT
“I’m not sure what the theme of my homily today ought to be. Do I want to speak of the
miracle of Our Lord’s divine transformation? Not really, no. I don’t want to talk of His divinity.
I’d rather talk of His humanity. I mean, you know, how He lived His life, here on Earth. His
kindness. His tolerance.”
--Pere Henri (from “Chocolat”)

Seemingly light as a trifle but containing surprising notes of rich, satisfying, and delicious complexity,
“Chocolat” is the beloved 2000 comedy-drama film directed by Lasse Hallström. It’s 1959 during the
Lenten season in a provincial French village. The mysterious arrival of Vianne Rocher, a single mother
and chocolatier, immediately disrupts the complacency of the repressed community and exposes
secrets, lies, and traumas in a philosophical clash of the sacred vs. the sensuous, the profound vs. the
profane, and the somber vs. the silly. It’s kind of like “Needful Things” but with transformative
chocolate treats instead of creepily cursed collectibles. Starring Oscar-nominated Juliette Binoche and
Judi Dench (and with powerhouse support from Leslie Caron, Lena Olin, Carrie-Anne Moss, Alfred
Molina, and Johnny Depp), “Chocolat” was nominated for three additional Oscars, including Best
Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

The FCCB Film Forum will gather on Saturday, March 28, at 5:30 PM at the home of Jean and Peter Lin.
Bring a ready-to-serve dish (maybe a favorite chocolate dessert?) to share, and we’ll meet for dinner, a
screening of “Chocolat,” and discussion. The movie is rated PG-13 for adult themes.

Hope to see you for an evening of cinema, community, confections, and conversation!