The Taste Of Things

For 20 years, peerless cook, Eugenie (Juliette Binoche), has worked for Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a famous gourmet. Over that time, the practice of gastronomy and mutual admiration turned into a romantic relationship. However, despite Dodin's proposals, Eugenie does not want to become a wife. Dodin decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her.

There are two things to consider before watching Tran Anh Hung's The Taste Of Things.

First, be aware that The Taste of Things moves slowly. Slower than, in this time of jump cuts and propulsive plots, the pace that we are, perhaps, more used to. Expect long, indulgent (in the very best way) cooking sequences - particularly in the film's stunning opening scene. Expect atmosphere over plot. Expect character over action.  

The Taste of Things is, nonetheless, very much worth your time. This is a beautiful and wonderfully portrayed love story. Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel are both wonderful and the film, often bathed in a warm glow, looks gorgeous (however, trigger warnings for non-carnivores).

As well as telling us a special love story, The Taste Of Things also encourages us to think about our relationship with food and the, all too often lost, joy of meal preparation. The film reminds us that the process of cooking can be an act of love and remembrance.

I mentioned at the beginning of this review that there are two things to consider before watching Tran Anh Hung's The Taste Of Things. Here is the second:

Don't go into this film feeling hungry...