Name that movie: a family, apparently encouraged by a late relative, sets up a charming but ‘controversial’ eaterie in a quaint, French village. Despite some initial tension with disapproving locals, the newcomers win everyone over with their delicious cooking. You’ve seen Chocolat, right? Well, get ready for The Hundred-Foot Journey, from the same director, Lasse Hallstrom – by the looks of it he believes a winning recipe is worth repeating.
There are certainly some nice flavours. If only Hallstrom had followed his characters’ advice and added a little more spice. This gentle culture-clash dramedy pitches hot-tempered Indian restaurateur (Om Puri) against Helen Mirren, the proprietor of an elegant Michelin star establishment just across the road.
The trope-laden East-Meets-West theme has the same banter-laden charm of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, and Mirren and Puri make for excellent sparring partners, even if their childish games of one-upmanship are a bit tired. Their arguments, much like Hassan’s sexual tension with Mirren’s sous chef Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), is kept on a low simmer, genteel enough to appeal to older audiences. As Puri’s talented son, Dayal provides wonderful emotional range, especially as success, fame and fortune make him question the value of his abilities. What’s the point in being gifted, if he can’t share it with those who imbued in him his love of cooking?
The meals are shot beautifully, the landscapes picturesque, the stereotypes broad, the film much too long. But it goes down easy, like the best comfort food always does.