Babette's Feast (1987)

👍👍
Reviewed 13 Oct 2025

The eternal quest to make joyless Scandinavian puritans admit they feel something, anything in this life… a strong and kind vision presented with brilliantly understated joy. There's also a playful good humour throughout that pairs well with the film's deep veins of melancholy. While the cinematography is a touch dry, it features all the moments to expect from the cream of the cuisine film: the kitchen cameraderie, the food pervert, the borderline-mythical meaning in every aspect of the meal. You don't need to an explosive reaction or orchestral montage to know that what the characters experienced has changed their lives forever. The impossible is made possible. The mundane unlocks the divine. Meeting the physical needs of life is not only an act of love but also a catalyst for love.