SnoopyStyle
Chef Martha Klein (Martina Gedeck) is the tough top chef in the kitchen. She's great with food but isn't good dealing with people. She doesn't take criticism well. She has anger issues and is under orders to therapy. When her sister dies in a car accident, she is left with her saddened 8 year old niece Lina who constantly asks to go home. Lina's father is named Giuseppe living in Italy. Martha has a difficult time, and the owner hires another chef, Mario (Sergio Castellitto) to help out. There is also a divorced architect living downstairs that she is infatuated with. She struggles with the new chef, and her difficulties with Lina.This is a German movie remade later as 'No Reservations'. This one has a more compelling darker tone. The relationship between aunt and niece is much tougher and very touching. The food looks delicious. Mario provides a bit of charming comic relief. The ending is a little too neat, but it's a fine happy ending.
urquhart-2
I wish life turned out this fulfilling for all of us frustrated, over-achieving perfectionists who never find happiness. (but of course it never does) This was a completely engaging film and the acting was superb. It was refreshing to see a woman holding the upper hand in the place of employment (a nice change!) - but of course her authority is soon called into question by the arrival of the upstart chef who has charm to burn. And her life is deliciously complicated by the added responsibility of caring for a child she didn't plan for. How come I don't meet men this likable in MY life?!?!It was a great story and the characters' situations were real. Don't bother with the lame remake (No Reservations) starring Catherine Zeta-Jones. It has been YEARS since I've seen this film and I still have fond memories of it. Only the best and most treasured films stick with you like that.Highly recommended.
kaupy
A bit of Teutonic charm that brings you along almost effortlessly. It earns a 9 out of 10 from me, an almost perfect balancing of elements both sweet and savory. If you are a "foodie" then you will enjoy the kitchen scenes and attitudes. Food preparation is Martha's raisin d'etre, at least until she is forced to change from chef to caretaker of her sister's daughter. Then the grip Martha has on her world goes from "tight with the occasional slip" to "strained and slippery".Romantics will enjoy a process of interaction that becomes attraction between Martha and the new chef Mario. Their's is a perfectly paced interplay of her tense misgivings against his amiable demeanor. One almost wishes that Martha's psychiatrist demonstrated as much insight as Mario.No, the movie isn't perfect. The ending was a bit elaborate, a slightly simpler one might have been more effective. But it's by no means a bad ending as is. Small tweaks here and there would have made this a ten for me, but I suspect many viewers may find it a 10 in their books.I watched this with Rare Birds. Another supposedly foodie movie, but in fact, one that barely qualifies as such although Rare Birds is a pleasant two hours. Mostly Martha, as a double feature, would go very well with Chocolat. But it could also be paired with Eat, Drink, Man, Woman for a fusion of east - west dining/movies experience.
Don Andrews
I don't know how this poignant drama got dubbed a "comedy,' except for the situational humor: this movie has no "gags" and it needs none.Although the movie doesn't account for how Martha got the way she was; so different than her sister, it sure provides us with a delightful account of her evolution! The lighting, camera angles and facial expressions reinforce a very authentic script.The movie flirts a little with cultural clichés (Martha the Teutonic chef vs Mario the effusive Italian who wears his feelings on his sleeve) but never goes over the top. This movie did make me feel good, but I don't feel like i've been manipulated or tricked into it!I'd like to buy the DVD. It's definitely a movie I'll watch again.
AD
