Films are known for covering many art forms through their powerful storytelling device, doing the aesthetic of other arts justice. The art of cooking and the beauty of food is one of the primary examples. The food industry is known for its beautiful, complicated, and difficult process. In addition, the business is well represented through documentaries while romanticized and appreciated through fiction films.
However, some of these films are underrated, especially for the Gen-Z audience. These chosen films were made with respect and dedication to the art form, and capture both the business and pleasure of cooking. The stories are engaging and fascinating and manage to create the traditional feel-good element that a lot of comforting food or films might bring. This article will serve individuals with hunger and a passion for food and cinema. For cooks and foodies, this list provides good exposure to films to explore.
1.) Chocolat (2000) – Romance/Comedy
Chocolat was directed by Lasse Hallström, also known for directing What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale, The Cider House Rules, Dear John, etc. The film stars Juliette Binoche (Vianne Rocher), Johnny Depp ( Roux), Lena Olin (Josephine Muscat), Alfred Molina (Comte de Reynaud), Judi Dench (Armande Voizin), Victoire Thivisol (Anouk Rocher), Carrie-Anne Moss (Caroline Clairmont), and Peter Stormare (Serge Muscat) as the main cast. The film centers on a woman and her child who arrive in a traditional-oriented town in France in the winter of 1959. She opens a chocolate shop deeply rooted in her Mayan heritage, which seems exotic and odd to the townspeople. She can guess the desires of her customers, giving them the right confection.
The film covers the themes of temptation, desire, and the hold that religion has on people’s behaviors and beliefs. Vianne brings a new perspective to the town through her food and general outgoing persona that isn’t as restrained as the town. However, the restrained nature flows through the city the most, especially since it is a time for Lent. The movie manages to show the provocative nature of food as a temptation for people who refrain from pleasure as a society. Vianne brings out the strength and confidence in the people around her which brings color to the dull but beautiful town.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film? 🍿
The mood of the atmosphere is irreplicable, as the setting, clothing, and way of speaking blend together to create a tranquil quiet town. The cinematography, makes the chocolate look delicious, as the desire and appeal for the sweets are given through the screen. The performance from Juliette Binoche, is outstanding, as she manages to bring the charm and seductive nature hidden underneath her characterization’s surface personality. While Vianne doesn’t explicitly do anything to seduce anyone, the point of view of the townspeople is so. Binoche manages to create that aura to aid the audience in understanding the shock of the townspeople at her arrival.
The iconic introduction of Vianne and her daughter in the red hooded capes was a strong message as to what bold power she possesses. The bold and rich color is a representation of how she stands out from the dull grey and blue tones of the town. Red is known for symbolizing passion and the richness matches the richness of her culture and the chocolate. Vianne is also contrasted through her slightly revealing clothing. It is revealing in the modest sense, as she shows off her neck and collarbones and her ankles. While she is free-spirited, the others see her as a threat to what they perceive as pure and reserved.
In-Depth 🎬
The shots of chocolate are so delicious and the little details aid in creating that sensation. The montage of Vianne setting up her shop is so satisfying, as she paints the walls with imagery of her Mayan heritage, and as she stirs large amounts of melted chocolate and the steam makes her body look sweaty. This works well with the scene where her antagonist Comte de Reynaud shatters her display of the shop.
Reynaud is extremely conservative with following Lent, which makes him visibly disapprove of Vianne. His repressed emotions about his wife leaving, are expressed when he accidentally gets a crumb of chocolate in his mouth while destroying all the confections. He goes into a fit of laughing, eating, and eventually crying. His passion for life that he despised Vianne had been taken for the longest time. Vianne and her confections give him the emotional break that he needed. These two scenes show most of the chocolate pieces, making them both crucial in creating the atmosphere.
The film is a beautiful and feel-good film that shows how food and the art of cooking can be soothing for the soul, and bring out our deepest desires. Food provides nourishment for the body and the soul. It also represents temptation at its finest.
2.) Julie and Julia (2009) – Comedy/Romance
Julie and Julia was directed by Nora Ephron who also directed Sleepless in Seattle, You’ve Got Mail, etc. She was the screenwriter for Heartburn and co-writer of When Harry Met Sally… The film stars Meryl Streep (Julia Child), Amy Adams (Julie Powell), Stanley Tucci (Paul Child), and Chris Messina (Eric Powell) as the main cast. The film centers on Julie Powell a woman living in New York who is unfulfilled in her job and decides to start a personal project which she blogs about. Her goal is to prepare all the 524 recipes in Julia Child’s cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” in 365 days. The story includes the life of both women who are real people.
The film views Julie’s mission, alongside Julia Child’s journey of discovering her interest in cooking and trying to adjust to the French culture after moving there with her husband for his work. The two stories parallel as Julia Child’s cookbook is the key to the two. Julia Child’s portion of the film involves her life leading up to the book. Meanwhile, Julie Powell’s side of the story includes her project based on the book.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film? 🍿
The delicious cinematography creates the true food blog aesthetic that is needed for the plot. The shots manage to catch the right angles in perfectly lighted food, and watching the actors tear into the food becomes more enjoyable. The pacing of the film is done smoothly, as two different lives are intertwined. Yet even with this complicated structure, the film turns out to make perfect sense. It is very entertaining when common themes are shown between both of their lives in addition to the art of cooking. Themes like marital complications, setbacks in careers, stomach/ digestion issues, and drama in friend circles.
The aesthetics of the atmospheres, though there are two, are captured well. The optimistic and delightful nature of both Julie and Julia are expressed through the cooking but in different ways. Julie lives in New York, while Julia Child lives in France. The music, color palette, and scenery aided the shift.
In-depth 🎬
There are many scenes where the process of cooking is visibly taking place. Some films might talk about cooking rather than show it. The way the film is shot truly feels like the blog that Julie was posting. The snippets of interaction are especially brought to life through the relationships of the two couples. One of the central themes of the film includes the crisis of figuring out what to do with their lives.
Julia Child’s husband is an established diplomat, hence why the couple moved to France. She struggles with finding a hobby or something to do as during her time, a woman of her status doesn’t need to work. Julie Powell works in a cubicle and has a group of friends who all lead the businesswomen lifestyle that she feels intimidated by. She is unfulfilled and misses writing, and by starting the blog, she feels like she has built a relationship with Julia Child.
Overall, the film is enjoyable and is truly a feel-good film and it manages to show the struggles of finding a passion that might differ from others.
3.) Hundred Foot Journey (2014) – Comedy/Family
Hundred-Foot Journey is another film directed by Lasse Hallström. The film stars Helen Mirren (Madame Mallory), Manish Dayal (Hassan Haji), Om Puri (Papa), and Charlotte Le Bon (Marguerite) as the main cast. The film centers on Hassan Kadam a talented and self-taught novice who, alongside his family, is moved to a French village. After the father realizes that his son has better gifts and talents than the flavorless European food he has tasted, he opens an Indian eatery. However, the place in which he does so is 100 feet away from Madame Mallory’s acclaimed restaurant. The two sides feud as Hassan tries to impress Madame Mallory to resolve the conflict. Eventually, she takes him under her wing.
This film shows how food can be rooted in deep cultural ties that can serve years of tradition in a region. The very simplistic but elegant French cuisine is compared to the flavorful and extraordinary Indian cuisine. Eventually, Hassan’s abilities and influences on French cuisine allow him to combine ingredients from both sides. While his family is reluctant, he manages to persuade them to use what they are provided. For both Madame Mallory and Hassan, the art of cooking is taken seriously with passion.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film? 🍿
The color palette of the beautiful countryside, the food, and the rich spices provide so much of the meaning of the film. The food is brought to life with the colors and is extremely pleasing to the eye. Through the balanced, rich, and specific color choices, the cuisines’ differences are told. The performances are rich as Madame Mallory and Hassan have very clear mentor and mentee relationships that speak without words. Papa and Madame Malory’s feud is heated with passion due to the actors’ abilities to give it their all.
The music is captivating and sets the tone of the film. It is uplifting and exciting, showing the classical and exotic drums in a mixture that represents both cultures. It cohesively builds the atmosphere, providing us with the nourishment that the power of food brings.
In-depth 🎬
A powerful scene includes the omelet cooking scene with Madame Mallory and Hassan. Hassan’s hands become so injured that he wraps them so thick, to the point of them looking like boxing gloves. He tells her that he wants to make her an omelet but needs her help breaking the eggs. They end up cooking together, and the lack of dialogue replacing the slow and tranquil piece of their cooking works so well. It becomes a little comedic watching them speak through expressions, as she wants to be simple with the ingredients. Yet Hassan pushes her to add more coriander and seasoning. She finally trusts him, accepts the culture, and expresses emotions that she concealed.
In contrast, a heartbreaking moment is when Hassan wants to apologize on behalf of his father. Madame Mallory throws the elegantly plated food in the trash, right in front of him. This was such an insult as she later pulled herself aside to process the emotions she felt from the food. This scene explains the truly divided sides, making the conflict and resolution more groundbreaking.
Overall, the film is extremely pleasant and shows how cooking can lack joy when done in a high-end place. While it also carries significant culture and a sense of family, something Madame Mallory seems to lack. Food represents the state of the characters as well.
4.) Chef (2014) – Comedy/Drama
Chef was directed by Jon Favreau, who was also the lead actor playing Carl Casper, the chef. Jon Favreau is notably known for directing Iron Man and Iron Man 2, as well as Elf, The Lion King (2019), and The Jungle Book (2016). He also created The Mandalorian which is based on the Star Wars series of films created by George Lucas. The film centers on Carl, a chef who works at a prestigious restaurant, he quits because of the controlling owner. She finds himself in Miami and with his ex-wife, best friend, and son, he launches a food truck business. This allows him to travel to bring back his passion for cooking. The film stars in addition to the lead Favreau, John Leguizamo (Martin), Sofia Vergara (Inez), Emjay Anthony (Percy), Scarlett Johansson (Molly), and Robert Downey Jr. (Marvin).
The film is as exciting as food trucks can be. The reunion of him and his family drives the film as he goes from a previously stressful and joyless environment to one of creative freedom. He gains the opportunity to bond with his son by teaching him to cook and help him. His cool and down-to-earth personality gives the film so much charm. The film shows the brutality of the food business with harsh reviews, as well as, the beautiful opportunities it can bring.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film? 🍿
The film fits the feel-good theme perfectly as it balances the introduction of a bad work environment with one of complete excitement. The hustle differs in both the restaurant and the food truck, both providing their challenges. Throughout the film, however, the comedy flourishes consistently. The actor and director Jon Favreau brings an element of comfort alongside the charm, making him the perfect dual-positioned artist.
The music sells the atmosphere as it allows us to understand the vibe of the character. Despite his previous work environment, he remains full of passion and flavor which is given through the music. The pacing of the film is great, giving just enough screen time for the meals, enough for the travels, and allowing for moments of emotion to boil.
In-depth 🎬
The film despite its humorous tone, has a very strong and important scene that explains the cruel aspects of the food business which is the extremely harsh food reviews. In this scene, after many showing the disgusting reviews he had been given, he confronts the critic. In front of everyone he comes and explains to him that a lava cake is not just undercooked chocolate cake but a cake with chocolate ganache in the middle. He does so why yelling with rage, and rightfully so. The critic had gone beyond disrespecting the food by disrespecting him, making comments about his weight.
The moment where he cooks with his son, Cubano sandwiches, he bonds with him, showing him the importance of cooking. He tells him to watch as the cheese melts and the bread turns golden. This is so valuable as the little moments bring so much reality to the film, creating the perfect atmosphere. The dialogue doesn’t feel rehearsed and they all seem to be having a good time. Martin curses in front of Percy, the son, while Carl teaches him and allows him to hang out around the stove. The relaxed nature is certainly the element that drives it to be a feel-good film.
Overall, the film is a delicious and fun ride that shows the nature of the food business which can vary so differently depending on one’s choices.
5.) No Reservations (2007) – Comedy/Romance
No Reservations was directed by Scott Hicks who also directed Shine, The Lucky One, Hearts in Atlantis, Snow Falling on Cedars, etc. The film stars Catherine Zeta-Jones (Kate Armstrong), Aaron Eckhart (Nicholas Palmer), Abigail Breslin (Zoe), Patricia Clarkson (Paula), Lily Rabe ( Bernadette Ezkeniazki), and Bob Balaban( Therapist) as the main cast. The film centers on master chef Kate who runs her kitchen with precision and intensity and when her sister is killed in a car crash, she becomes the guardian of her niece. Kate is known for wanting to keep everything perfect and tidy. When she is responsible for Zoe, she struggles with letting her guard down. Meanwhile, at work, a carefree sous chef joins the staff and disrupts her work routine.
The film explores the theme of why some high-end working chefs work so fiercely. Kate seems like a cold perfectionist on the outside, being extremely hard on herself and those around her. However, this is her sense of control over things she can’t control in her life. This is a theme seen in many films that center on food and cooking. This idea of a chef controlling the kitchen instead of releasing their pent-up emotions.
Warning before proceeding: Spoilers are ahead.
Why should you watch this film?🍿
The acting of Catherine Zeta-Jones paired with Aaron Eckhart blends perfectly. As the two start as rivals with passion, they eventually turn into lovers. This trope can only be done with a good set of actors who have a lot of chemistry. In addition to this, the film is visually aesthetic as the rich tones add to the seductive nature of the film. After all, the kitchen is filled with energy as hate, stress, and romance buds in there. The color palette works extremely well with the tone of the film.
The cinematography is also notably smooth as this classy elegant aura that is filled in Kate’s kitchen is supported. The panning shots from plate to server add to the importance of their work. This gives the film an exciting quality as the viewer feels like a part of the kitchen. The swift movements of the characters keep the eye going, supported by the style of cinematography.
In-depth 🎬
The film has many iconic scenes that add to the feel-good theme. One is the rare steak scene where Kate carries a rare steak to the table of a customer who complained too much. The camera follows her as she walks across the restaurant holding a thick raw steak with a pitchfork. The music accompanied gives a quirky tone to this, making it comedic, contrasting with strict and solemn character. This scene is given more humor when Paula, Kate’s boss, scurries over in her heels, trying to clean up and apologize. She ends the scene by saying that this felt good and certainly serves the theme.
Feel-good films despite their tragic storyline, can be brought back with humor. The catharsis that we get from watching Kate feel free is exhilarating as Jones brings the character to life perfectly. We see her loosening up by giving Zoe the food that she wants rather than things strong for a child’s palette. She spends more time with her and even brings her to work.
It is then that Zoe meets Nicholas, and they have the spaghetti scene. Before this Zoe did not eat any food that Kate cooked. Nicholas cleverly makes a bowl of spaghetti and sits next to Zoe. He eats it himself, trying to make it seem appetizing. Then he asks Zoe to hold the bowl as he has to work. When he leaves, Zoe grabs the fork and reluctantly begins eating. This moment was extremely satisfying as someone was able to break through with Zoe.
Overall the film is satisfying as we reach the catharsis that Kate does in her life, alongside her romance with Nicholas and relationship with Zoe.
Final Takeaway
Overall, these films tend to give the comforting and fulfilling feeling of a good meal. They also, however, shed light on the cooking industry, and the different forms it comes in. It shows the struggles of working independently as well as overcoming differences in a kitchen. These are a perfect watch to feed your soul and passion!
