Skip to Content

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” – a Must-See Film for Summer

While I was out on the west coast last month, I had a chance to attend a screening for the new movie, The Hundred-Foot Journey, which is especially endearing for these turbulent times. It tells the story of a clash between two cultures – French and Indian. Fortunately, the story has a peaceful ending, unlike cultural clashes in many parts of the world these days.

Food Unites Us All

The 100 Foot Journey movie, boomer movies, life after 50

Chef Hassan and sous chef Marguerite fall in love. Image courtesy Dreamworks Pictures and Participant Media

As noted in the press materials along with some commentary from moi, “the movie is about Hassan Kadam, a culinary ingénue (played by the adorable Manish Dayal), and his family who are displaced from their native India.

The Kadam family, led by Papa (starring Om Puri, a truly lovable character), settles in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France, and opens an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai. That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (the superb dame Helen Mirren – who was producers Steven Spielberg’s and Oprah Winfrey’s top pick for the role) gets wind of it.”

The 100 Foot Journey movie, boomer movies, life after 50, Helen Mirren

Dame Helen Mirren plays Madam Mallory. Image courtesy Dreamworks Pictures and Participant Media

“Madam Mallory’s protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own escalate into a battle between the two establishments until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine — and for Madame Mallory’s sous chef, Marguerite (played by the cute actress Charlotte Le Bon, who looks like a young, slightly prettier Winona Ryder, and who makes a perfect mate for Hassan) — combine with his mysteriously-delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Madame Mallory cannot ignore. At first Madame Mallory’s culinary rival, she eventually recognizes Hassan’s talents and takes him under her wings.”

Is it a Must-Go or a Heck, No?

I won’t tell you the rest of the story or it would spoil the fun. You’ll just have to go see The Hundred- Foot Journey when it opens in theaters on Friday, August 8th.

Having spent some time in the south of France a year ago, I thought the movie nicely captures the spirit and culinary pleasures of the area. Francophiles and foodies will be pleased with the production.  ”Pardon, pardon, s’il vous plaît me ramener à la Provence,” I wanted to cry out as I left the theatre in a very upbeat mood from the magnificent scenery, stimulating gastronomy, and heart-warming characters.

I also had a hankering for Indian and French food and was glad to see that the press materials included recipes inspired from both restaurants. Think I will prepare the Chicken Tikka and Haricots Verts with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Cranberry Vinaigrette this weekend. Want to join me?  The recipes are below and you can find more on the movie’s Pinterest page.

The 100 Foot Journey, Chicken Tikka

Chicken Tikka created by Chef Floyd Cardoz

Chicken Tikka, The 100 Foot Journey movie, boomer movies

The 100 Foot Journey, boomer movies. life after 50

Haricorts Verts with Walnuts, Goat Cheese and Cranberry Vinaigrette. Courtesy Le Creuset

The 100 Foot Journey, boomer movies, life after 50

Bon appétit and Rasawath aharak!

 

Read more from Judy Freedman on her blog, A Boomer’s Life After Fifty

Judy Freedman

Judy Freedman is a fifty-something female baby boomer. Her blog, A Boomer's Life After 50, is targeted to the millions of baby boomer women (born between 1945 – 1964) who are going through a similar life journey in mind, body and spirit. Widowed at the age of 50, she is learning to reinvent herself. Her philosophy is to age gracefully, be optimistic about the future, and keep her chin up…so her neck stays forever wrinkle-free. Judy's blog was recognized by The Huffington Post as one of their 2012 Favorite Blogs for Women Post 50 and won a 2013 Webby Award Honoree for Personal Blogs. Judy retired from her 30 year corporate communications career to pursue her passions during her life after 50. Instagram: judiboomergirl

More Posts - Website

Follow Me:
TwitterFacebookLinkedInPinterestGoogle PlusYouTube

Judy Freedman

Monday 11th of August 2014

Anne, absolutely you can take your family members to see this movie. It is such a lovely pix for everyone. You may want to go to an Indian restaurant afterwards.

Judy Freedman

Sunday 10th of August 2014

Doreen, I know there were some negative reviews in the newspapers but I really enjoyed the movie and think others will too.

Anne Parris

Monday 11th of August 2014

I want to love it just because it looks like a thoughtful movie, starring a mature woman as a lead, and nothing blows up. Also, I could take my mom or daughters to it and not be embarrassed by the content.

Doreen Pendgracs

Friday 8th of August 2014

Thx for this review. I've heard more negative than positive about this movie, but based on your review, I think I'd enjoy it.

Comments are closed.
Read previous post:
Low Testosterone, Low Libido and Fuzzy Brain

Menopause can be such a challenge. There’s the whole “fuzzy brain” scenario—you know, that “where is my car/my purse/my mind”...

Close