While at Blogher 14, I attended a private screening of the movie,”The 100 Foot Journey.” I’d read and loved this book by Richard C . Morais back in 2010. It is a story about two things I love dearly— travel and good food. So imagine how thrilled I was to learn that not only had it been made into a movie but also that Helen Mirren was playing a lead role. I had no idea I was going to be introduced to two Indian actors I will henceforth never forget: Om Puri and Manish Dayal. This movie will dramatically transport the viewer on a journey both physically and psychologically. It will also appeal to every hope and dream you’ve ever had because yes, it really is the best travel and food movie I’ve seen.
In the book, the story follows an Indian family from Mumbai to England to Switzerland and to France. According to press material, “the film was shot on location in the south of France, so as to best utilize the breathtaking scenery and architecture of the country’s Midi-Pyrénées region.” You will be seduced by the film’s setting, I assure you. The press material goes on to say, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” abounds with flavors that burst across the tongue.” I submit that your mouth will water if you have any reverence for good food as you watch a portrayal of two worlds colliding ….. and one young man’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be.”
Look at this face. It’s Hassan (Manish Dayal)
Om Puri, who is a beloved actor in his home country, is both a delight and a match for Helen on screen in their developing relationship. Helen, well Helen is Helen always. She embodies and dissolves into her character. What happens between Puri and Helen as professionals is masterful, awesome, so subtle, life affirming and believable.
Imagine all the colors of the spices commonly associated with the subtlety of a true gourmet ‘s hand. This Disney distributed movie is flavored so well with emotion and laughter that at its end, you feel that you’ve just finished a scrumptious meal. It truly is the best travel and food movie!
The movie was produced by Steven Spielberg and Oprah Winfrey. They both have their signature quirks. But there was only one time in the movie when I felt an ET moment that I consider a trademark of Spielberg . That was a shot of a clear night sky when all the stars were visible in this movie that made me think of ET. But even being a hard core fan of the book I was more impressed with the adaptation than I thought I might be. They really got it right.
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” will be released in theaters on August 8, 2014 and is rated PG. For more information, visit: http://100footjourneymovie.com/, like us on Facebook and follow then on Twitter.
Sylvia Lewis says
Loved you mentioned an ‘ET’ moment. Clearly with Oprah and Spielberg as producers, they delivered something wonderful. I look forward to seeing this one!
Teresa speight says
I will definitely look for this movie locally. I am finding that travel and food are a natural mix. I will share my thought afTeri see the movie. Thank you for giving me an idea of going to a movie I might not have considreed going to see.
Martina says
I saw the movie also…had absolutely no idea what the story line was and it was a good thing because I would not spend my own money to see this movie. I would have waited until it came out on Netflicks or my cable company. I thought it was somewhat trite..but maybe that’s because I am not a foodie and the idea of movies about food don’t excite me. The events that transpired and good things that happened to him were almost predictable along with the syrupy happy ending. This movie belongs on a free channel like Lifetime or Oxygen which I don’t usually watch.
Patricia A Patton says
“Oh Martina, I guess you see that I loved it (smile). I love your last sentence: “This movie belongs on a free channel like Lifetime or Oxygen which I don’t usually watch.”Clearly we cannot go to the movie together. Thank you for taking the time to check in. I appreciate it