The Story This is a tale, a tale of three wills. The will of the North wind, the will of Comte De Raynaud and the will of a charming woman who makes wicked chocolates and devilish hot cocoa. All is quiet and well ordered in the village of Lansquenet, that is until the north wind brings an unexpected visitor to the town. A visitor who will change their lives forever with her special chocolates that seem to have mystical properties. In a village where even the church is dominated by Reynaud and morality is kept in check, things are about to change dramatically when the north wind brings a stranger, Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) and her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol) to set up a chocolate shop in an old pastiserie leased to her by Armande (Judi Dench). Reynaurd is convinced that Viannes lack of appreciation for the church will wreak moral havoc on the village and so he sets about to do all he can to see that her business fails. But there are greater forces at work now and Reynaurd will have more than his share of problems especially when a group of river rats, led by Roux (Johnny Depp) decide to make the villages riverbank their temporary home. Suddenly Vianne experiences new found feelings and the need to belong somewhere permanent. But are the bonds of love and family strong enough to challenge the will of the north wind. Directed by Lasse Hallstrom this adaptation by Robert Nelson Jacobs of the Joanne Harris novel is beautifully recreated into an onscreen gem. Supporting Stars The depth of Chocolat is reflected in the quality performances that surround the main characters and while no one actor stands out above the rest they all perform their craft well by blending in with the theme of the film by conveying their characters superbly. What The Critics Say "A charming experience full of delightful surprises." Bruce Kirkland JAM! MOVIES "Chocolat will go straight to your heart." Andy Klein TNT'S ROUGH CUT "It is a rare pleasure to sit through a simple fable for us far-from-teenaged folk." Chuck Schwartz CRANKY CRITIC "Creates and sustains an elegant timelessness that is all too rare in contemporary cinema." Gregory Weinkauf, NEW TIMES LOS ANGELES "Light-hearted, as pleasurable as a richly fashioned piece of elegant chocolate, and as warm as a homemade cup of cocoa." Jack Garne, ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT AND CHRONICLE "A work of artistry and craftsmanship at the highest level, sophisticated in its conception and execution, yet possessed of wide appeal." Kevin Thomas LOS ANGELES TIMES "Director Lasse Hallstrom maintains a light and delicate balance over the production, always keeping an air of comic fantasy as a foundation, but blending it with more substantial ingredients." Michael Elliott CROSSWALK.COM MOVIES The Verdict Charming, refreshing, delightful. Need I say more! Just see it, it's grand .... RATED M The Cast Juliette Binoche ... Vianne Victoire Thivisol ... Anouk Roux ... Johnny Depp Carrie Anne Moss ... Caroline Clairmont Dominique Mac'Avoy ... Madame Audel Alfred Molina ... Comte De Reynaud Judi Dench ... Armande Voizin Hugh O'Conor ... Pere Henri Leslie Caron ...Madame Audel Directed by Lasse Hallstrom Writing credits Robert Nelson Jacobs(screenplay) Copyright ©2000