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Summary
Add a SummaryWell worth the watch. Has the flavor of O. Henry: masterful story-telling, some surprises. Great take-aways. Written by "Out of Africa" author Karen Blixen. This one is fiction and 'out of Denmark.' Nevertheless, you can hear the Baroness's voice, esp. thru the general, towards the end of the story. Thoughtful yet fun at the same time.
The tale involves two sisters living together in a tiny village along a rugged stretch of Danish coastline. At the outset of the film, the very attractive young girls assist their father who is the local Lutheran minister in his pastoral duties, seeing after a few old and indigent villagers. In the process they live celibate lives, spurning the advances of suitors. The film then flash forwards to the present some 35 years later where the minister father has died and the two much older and now spinster daughters are continuing the pastoral duties of caring for the villagers. Now enters Babette, a refugee from French civil strife who has been sent to the village for her safety. Some fifteen years pass by and the sisters consider a dinner in celebration of the 100th anniversary of their father’s birth, a gesture designed to hopefully heal the dissension and rifts which have occurred among the villagers over the years without the active guidance of the minister. As a gesture of appreciation to the support she has received from the two sisters over the years, Babette offers to plan and cook the entire commemorative dinner as a classic French feast.
Comment
Add a CommentI was truly wow'd by this one. The best part is it all comes together right before the cut to credits! Make sure you stick with this movie because I was definitely wondering where all of this was going. There were also some boring times, but it was truly all worth it in the end. A must-watch for foodies - the meal looked absolutely delicious! Babette is such a charming character and she displays true selflessness. I highly recommend this film!
Originally released as a motion picture in 1987, this Danish drama was directed by Gabriel Axel, based on the story by Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen).
It is a culinary delight with a bliss of spiritual taste.
You would definitely be able to taste it.
Really outstanding movie- you should have something on hand to nibble as this movie WILL make you hungry.
This is a really beautiful and moving film- watch it.
Seamless! Lots of subtle details.
Now, this is a classic!
I really liked the pace and the humour in this.
As someone who isn't into foreign films, this is one of my 2 favorite films of all time (the other is THE DEAD POETS SOCIETY). Bluntly stated, it is slow, the scenery & setting is drab, & little happens in the film, until Babette finds out she has won the lottery. Babette is a Christ-figure who demonstrates other-worldly love, grace, & truth toward the pious & aging religious community cared for by the elderly sisters. For those with "eyes to see," the film is a sublime revelation.
I enjoyed the film. I'd also recommend the extra disc on the author, pen name Isak Dinesen, real name Karen Blixen. Very moving.
Maybe a bit slow moving and a person will need the subtitles for English translation. I stopped watching several times, then went back to it. Glad I did, too.
Old_toto enjoyed your comments and agrees in various degrees with all. Finding the photography, the characters, the costumes and sets, the action, particularly the food and drink preparation and kitchen management skills of the heroine completely superior to most movies, a high rating was given. Detraction was given for a few minor weaknesses in the story.