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Chocolat, directed by Lasse Hallström, remains a beloved classic decades after its release. It was based on a 1999 novel of the same name, authored by Joanne Harris. The film has drawn the attention of not only audiences across different cultures but also content creators.
In just 2022, a French-language TV adaptation of the film from Miramax TV and Mediawan was announced to be in development. The adaptation follows the story of a woman who settles in a local community with her daughter, and they have to convince the townspeople to adapt to the change they’re bringing.
The Appeal of Candy Themes
Chocolat’s use of candy themes reveals a broader trend seen across different entertainment sectors where creators leverage the popularity of such themes to captivate audiences. In the iGaming industry, especially in online slots where it’s become possible to offer games with multiple themes, we continue to see developers incorporating these themes to appeal to candy enthusiasts. Reviews like the Sweet Bonanza review have shown that players can now spin the wheel while interacting with lollipops, ice cream, and jewel-like hard candies in a virtual setup.
In Chocolat, Vianne, alongside her six-year-old daughter Anouk, drifting across Europe, arrives in a small French village and sets up a chocolate shop. It’s during Lent, and despite the shop not fitting well with some of the townspeople, Vianne seems to be making headway with other villagers. Armande, Vianne’s landlady, is among her first friends. Later in the movie, she (Armande) is seen frequenting the shop to eat chocolate after meeting with her grandson in the same venue.
Capturing the Essence of a French Village
Chocolat was filmed in the picturesque village of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, located in Burgundy, France. This carefully brought out the traditional French village’s quaint atmosphere and old-world charm. The narrow cobblestone streets, rustic storefronts, and historic architecture provided the perfect backdrop for the story’s unfolding drama. At the same time, Fonthill Lake in Wiltshire provided the river scenes while interior shots were done at the Shepperton Studios, England.
To enhance the film’s visual appeal, Hallström collaborated with cinematographer Roger Pratt to create an inviting color palette. Rachel Portman’s musical skills furthered the movie’s emotional depth with songs like Minor Swing, Main Title, The Story of Grandmere, and so on featured in the film. Elsewhere, Erik Satie’s Gnossienne is featured in a scene where Vianne tells a story of her parent’s meeting.
Chocolat became a commercial success, grossing over US$152 million worldwide after costing US$25 million during production. Several critics applauded the production, resulting in a 63% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and 64% on Metacritic. In a Chicago Tribune write-up, Michael Wilmington celebrated the film, stating that it was a feast of fine actors. Chocolat has been nominated for different awards and won others, including the Art Directors Guild Awards, Bogey Awards, and many others.
Lasse Hallström’s film is a timeless cinematic gem due to its compelling themes, immersive storytelling, and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s your first time experiencing the magic of Vianne’s chocolaterie or revisiting the quaint streets of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, the film offers a captivating experience that leaves audiences glued to their screens.