stephmodo: Foodie Films

• 04 May 2011

One evening I thumbed through our DVD stash at the cottage and happily stumbled upon Chocolat (love Juliette Binoche!). We like to keep movies stored at La Maisonnette that were filmed in Beynac--it's so fun to watch them when you are actually there! Chocolat's river scenes were all filmed in the area and they even used the gabarres/boats too (think: Johnny Depp and the "river rats"). And that little road you see heading upwards is the road pictured in the opening scene of Juliette and her daughter walking in the snow donning red capes. Anyway, it had been months since I sat down and watched a movie and because I was on vacation, I completely indulged. I mean that literally.

Earlier in the afternoon my husband was heading out on an errand and I asked him to bring me back a box of chocolates from the local patisserie. Because watching Chocolat ALWAYS makes me want to eat chocolate (does it have the same effect on you?). I have to say it was absolutely delightful to munch on little seashell chocolates while swooning over Juliette Binoche's own cacao confections.

Here are my favorite foodie movies--as in movies that make me want to eat a really good meal. What are your favorites?

Babette's Feast (Danish, Swedish, French)

Eat Drink Man Woman (Mandarin)

Mostly Martha (German, Italian)

all images taken in Beynac last month by moi

28 comments:

tamMay 4, 2011 at 7:29 AM
I love the movie Big Night- and it also has a stellar cast :-)
AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 7:46 AM
Hello, I like "No Reservations"; I believe it is a remake of the movie "Mostly Martha" and I also enjoy It's Complicated"; although it is not primarily foodie movie, the kitchen, the store/food styling is inspirational.
Stephanie, I enjoy reading your stylish and motivational blog very much. Greetings from Prague, Veronika
AngelaMay 4, 2011 at 7:52 AM
I'm with Tam. "Big Night", especially the final scene (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oerP7FRMWa8) so simple, so beautiful, and says everything about the love between two brothers. Warning if you have not seen it ... lots of F-bombs.
WendyMay 4, 2011 at 8:04 AM
Big Night! That is THE best food movie!
susanMay 4, 2011 at 8:14 AM
I have viewed the movies listed and Eat, Drink, Man, Women is my favorite!

I'll have to give 'Big Night' a try.
LatteLisaMay 4, 2011 at 8:53 AM
one of all time favourite films, definitely. And I make sure I've plenty of chocolate when I watch it ;-)

Like the others on your list too.
stephmodoMay 4, 2011 at 8:59 AM
Alright, it looks like Big Night might be next up...I'll have to look into the rating and such based on your tip Angela. It sounds like Italian food might be on the menu that night!

Veronika, thanks for the note and the tips as well! I've heard the same thing about No Reservations--that it's a remake of Mostly Martha. I'm hungry again just thinking about these movies!
Shirley SleeMay 4, 2011 at 9:25 AM
Love your blog so very insuring, please check mine out my sister makes Native American Baby Moccasins their adorable, http://thesleefamily.blogspot.com/
Ana DegenaarMay 4, 2011 at 10:40 AM
I am obsessed with foodie films and love Juliette Binoche. I was about to recommend Mostly Martha which is the original version of No Reservations but I saw you had it on your list.
AnonymousMay 4, 2011 at 10:43 AM
I love the movie Like Water for Chocolate (Spanish: Como agua para chocolate).

And by the way, the chocolat you ate in France is called Des fritures. It's sold around Easter, always the same shapes, soooo good with its praline inside.
Christelle
stephmodoMay 4, 2011 at 10:50 AM
Christelle, so good to know! I've never been in France during the Easter holiday and it was so fun to observe the traditions associated with the holiday in France. And yes, the prailine was delicious!
LL, EJ, Floris en Pim van ManenMay 4, 2011 at 1:18 PM
"the fish fall in love", if you ever feel like an iranian foodie movie really great movie
MarthaMay 4, 2011 at 1:21 PM
Well, I didn't like Julie and Julia BUT thinking about it did remind me of a foodie book I love: My Life in France by Julia Child. Makes me want to just dig my heels in and cook all day.

I can't wait to watch these others!
BethanyMay 4, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Chocolat is one of my favorite movies and to think you were able to experience the scenery! And Babette's Feast... oh my mouth is watering remembering that. Unfortunately my husband wishes I could cook that well!!
cjMay 4, 2011 at 3:24 PM
Even though it's not a food movie, the ultimate movie to showcase Beynac and the Dordogne has to be 'Everafter' wtih Drew Barrymore and Doug Ray Scott.
KJMay 4, 2011 at 3:39 PM
Oh, I love Chocolat and Eat Drink Man Woman both. It's been awhile...so I think I know what my weekend plans are.
jackiewdMay 4, 2011 at 6:37 PM
May I suggest Bread and Tulips? Set in Italy, many beautiful shots of Venice and the story takes all of it's interesting turns over food or flowers!
kate o.May 4, 2011 at 6:56 PM
the iranian movie sounds intriguing...

oh yes, the dinner scene in Big Night is so great.

i can watch Mostly Martha over and over. love it.

what is a good foodie movie list without Ratatouille??
stephmodoMay 4, 2011 at 8:36 PM
Martha, I love that book too. In fact I read it during the renovation and left it at the cottage for others to enjoy. It's lovely and I feel like I understand her more now. So happy to have that memoir!

CJ, we also keep a copy of Everafter at the cottage as well. It's not award-winning but I love seeing Beynac throughout!

Jackiewd, I think I've seen that flick as well...a lady leaves her husband after he has an affair and she heads to Italy?
TiffanyMay 5, 2011 at 7:26 AM
I love the movie Waitress with Keri Russell. SUCH a cute movie and always makes me want to bake a delicious marshmallow mermaid pie afterwards...and I'm not even a big pie person!
AnonymousMay 5, 2011 at 12:13 PM
Steph,

I know you and I know the hard times you've been through, but sometimes when I look at the gorgeous pictures on your site, I think you must live this charmed life. :) The pictures are lovely, really.

Carey
StephanieMay 5, 2011 at 1:45 PM
Tiffany, I'll have to look into that one too. I love Keri Russell!

Carey, pretty pictures don't mean life is perfect, right? Just trying to put my best foot forward and make this blog my happy place :)

xoxo
Laura DMay 6, 2011 at 10:16 AM
I love Tortilla Soup. It is a feel-good movie, filled with big delicous-looking meals. About a single father and his 3 grown daughters.
Birthday Party BabbleMay 7, 2011 at 3:38 PM
Oh, I just loved Eat Drink Man Woman. Had to watch it twice, and totally forgot until I read your post. I'm going to watch it a third time. Thanks.
AmyCMay 9, 2011 at 12:07 PM
In my quest to watch all Foodie Movies....I discovered Le Grande Bouffe. It is bizarre and at times offensive, but a good flick none the same.
LaurenMay 9, 2011 at 3:39 PM
You are SUCH a talented photographer Steph. I saw these pictures the other day and didn't realize you took them. They are beautiful.
Becky at VintageMixerMay 18, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Chocolat is definitely my favorite but Ratatouill is also a fun one! I'l have to watch Big Night now.
Becky at VintageMixerMay 18, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Chocolat is definitely my favorite but Ratatouille is also a fun one! I'l have to watch Big Night now.