In 1889, in France, we follow the story of Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a highly skilled chef, and Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who works as a cook closely by his side. The movie begins with Dodin and Eugénie preparing various meals, and Eugénie selecting vegetables from a local farmer. Dodin and Eugénie are highly professional in the kitchen and focused on their food preparation. When their hard work and creations come to fruition, it’s evident that the pair are well experienced and work wonderfully together.
Although both enjoy fine dining and good quality food, there is something else that Eugénie and Dodin have in common: their love and desire for each other. Dodin wishes to marry Eugénie someday, but she politely declines whenever he asks the question. Eugénie thinks that the way things are presently is more suitable, and she enjoys having some alone time as well as Dodin’s unexpected visits to her bedroom. When Eugénie begins to experience some health concerns, Dodin prioritises taking good care of her and expresses his love through new approaches in romance and, most importantly, cooking.
The Taste of Things is a dramatic film that blends romance into the story. If you are a fan of gourmet food or fine dining, you will enjoy this movie as it features plenty of discussions about food and impressive visuals of cooking. Director Anh Hung Tran is known for his work in other dramatic and heartfelt films, such as Norwegian Wood (2010) and The Scent of Green Papaya (1993). Here, he has created an engaging and emotional story.
I’m not a big fan of movies about food, but this one caught my attention. In the opening scene, we see Dodin and Eugénie working together in the kitchen, and their chemistry and companionship are genuinely remarkable. The way they prepare the food is also impressive, and it will undoubtedly make your mouth water if you watch it on an empty stomach. The visual aspects of the movie are noteworthy. The camera pans around the kitchen as the leads work, beautifully capturing their teamwork and the final cooking results. As a viewer, you’ll find it hard not to be impressed by the cooking and the teamwork atmosphere in the kitchen.
The acting in the movie is impressive and captivating. Though some parts of the plot are predictable, I was still invested in discovering what would happen next. Would Dodin be able to win the love of his life? Would Eugénie’s health improve? Could Dodin and Eugénie keep working together to create delicious meals for others? Without revealing too much, I must say that halfway through the movie, it felt like two different movies were in one, which was an unexpected twist. The film takes the audience on a journey over time, showing significant character development and changes that were both rewarding and enlightening to witness firsthand.
Overall, I’m not a big fan of movies that revolve around lavish food, but The Taste of Things was an exception. Although the film features some excellent scenes showcasing mouth-watering dishes, it also has a touching and dramatic love story. I was eager to see how the story would unfold and was moved by it. The direction by Anh Hung Tran is remarkable. The lead actors deliver excellent performances, displaying moments of drama and romance with great skill. Like a sumptuous meal, this film has plenty of warmth and greatness that stays with you long after the credits roll.
8.7/10
1st May 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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