Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series)

Amazon.com

With movies like Chocolat, it's always best to relax your intellectual faculties and absorb the abundant sensual pleasures, be it the heart-stopping smile of chocolatier Juliette Binoche as she greets a new customer, an intoxicating cup of spiced hot cocoa, or the soothing guitar of an Irish gypsy played by Johnny Depp. Adapted by Robert Nelson Jacobs from Joanne Harris's popular novel and lovingly directed by Lasse Hallström, the film covers familiar territory and deals in broad metaphors that even a child could comprehend, so it's no surprise that some critics panned it with killjoy fervor. Their objections miss the point. Familiarity can be comforting and so can easy metaphors when placed in a fable that's as warmly inviting as this one.

Driven by fate, Vianne (Binoche) drifts into a tranquil French village with her daughter Anouk (Victoire Thivisol, from Ponette) in the winter of 1959. Her newly opened chocolatier is a source of attraction and fear, since Vianne's ability to revive the villagers' passions threatens to disrupt their repressive traditions. The pious mayor (Alfred Molina) sees Vianne as the enemy, and his war against her peaks with the arrival of "river rats" led by Roux (Depp), whose attraction to Vianne is immediate and reciprocal. Splendid subplots involve a battered wife (Lena Olin), a village elder (Judi Dench), and her estranged daughter (Carrie-Anne Moss), and while the film's broader strokes may be regrettable (if not for Molina's rich performance, the mayor would be a caricature), its subtleties are often sublime. Chocolat reminds you of life's simple pleasures and invites you to enjoy them. --Jeff Shannon

Description

Nominated for 5 Academy Awards(R) including Best Picture, Best Actress (Juliette Binoche -- THE ENGLISH PATIENT), and Best Supporting Actress (Judi Dench -- SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE), CHOCOLAT is the beautiful and captivating comedy from the acclaimed director of THE CIDER HOUSE RULES! Nobody could have imagined the impact that the striking Vianne (Binoche) would make when she arrived in a tranquil, old-fashioned French town. In her very unusual chocolate shop, Vianne begins to create mouth-watering confections that almost magically inspire the straitlaced villagers to abandon themselves to temptation and happiness! But it is not until another stranger, the handsome Roux (Johnny Depp -- SLEEPY HOLLOW), arrives in town that Vianne is finally able to recognize her own desires!

Customer Reviews:

SWEETLY ROMANTIC ADULT FAIRY TALE.......2007-09-04

Juliette Binoche (The English Patient) glows as Vianne Rocher, a free-spirited young woman that the wind blows into a small, morally obsessed and oppressed French town one day. Using an ancient Mayan recipe discovered by her father, she and her daughter have come there to open a chocolaterie. Her confections are out of this world, and she uses them to try to help mend the various broken people and relationships in the town. But the mayor (Alfred Molina - Spiderman 2), whose family has dominated the town for centuries and who fears she will lead the townspeople away from their traditional faith and mores, declares war on Mademoiselle Rocher and tries to turn the townspeople against her.

One by one she gains allies, first in the form of her landlady, Armande Voizin (Judi Dench - Shakespeare In Love, Pride And Prejudice) and her grandson Luc Clairmont (Aurelien Parent Koenig - debut), which infuriates Luc's mother, Caroline (Carrie-Anne Moss - The Matrix), who has forbidden him from seeing his grandmother. Then she gains a battered woman (Josephine Muscat - The Ninth Gate), whose husband (Peter Stormare - Fargo) the mayor tries to reform in order to prove that his way of changing people is better. It doesn't work. Johnny Depp doesn't appear until the second act to reinforce Vianne in her cause and to offer romantic interest. He and his river gypsy friends are also considered undesirables by the town.

What's interesting about this film is that the Christian townspeople are being held hostage by the self-righteous, morally oppressive mayor, and consequently Vianne acts more like a Christian than any of they, even though she is not a believer. She takes a genuine interest in people and tries to help them with her friendship and chocolates. The mood of the film is magical, though magic has nothing to do with it - it's really about love. The question is, will love win out before Vianne gives up and decides her cause is hopeless?

This film is rated PG-13, which is a shame because, if several scenes that are not critical to the story had been toned down or left out, it would have made a wonderful family film. It has a story-book setting and feel that would appeal to any age. Unfortunately, several scenes push it into the category of adult romance. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful story about love in the face of prejudice that all of us need to hear, as well as enough chocolate shown onscreen to satisfy any chocolate lover's craving.

Waitsel Smith

Chocolat is a Tasty Treat!.......2007-08-25

Johnny Depp, need I say more? Okay for those of you who arn't a fan of his, there is more, more indeed.

This movie is a recipe with all the right amounts. Suspense, romance, humor, depth, characters with layers.

This movie isn't simply about one of the most loved desserts of all time but what it represents. This movie is about prejudice, desire, temptation, religion, secrets, determination, and what happens when you are under the microscope.

Things are not what they always appear, are they? Well you'll have to watch to find out.

I found this movie very sensual. Johnny Depp I could devour him, he's so delicious and the chemistry with Juliet Binoche is on key. All of the elements add up to a treat sure to please, again and again.

a side note... I found the music enjoyable

Great Movie!.......2007-08-07

As a non "chick", 60 something year old geezer, I enjoyed this movie a lot. It's overrriding message seemed to be a plea for tolerance toward strangers as shown in the film using a close knit, clannish little town whose social and moral values are set and controlled by an religiously devout hereditary mayor. The movie gracefully depicts how easily the most ardent followers of a savior god who preached love & tolerance toward all can turn to outsiders with hate and intolerance using the same teachings. A situation that's all too familiar through history and especially valid today.

The movie was never boring, well acted, with a sweetness tempered by a dark undercurrent. My only quibble with the entire film was Johnny Depp's performance which seemed out of place, as though he were making another "Pirates" movie as Jack Sparrow. Really though, it's a minor issue with me since his role was very limitted; almost an aside to the actual story.

The movie held my attention throughout. I never felt the urge to check my watch or get up for a snack.

Yummy! Can't get enough of Johnny..........2007-08-04

He's just too delicious. There is so much to love about this movie. True entertainment and it leaves you feeling good. Now I'm craving chocolate and more Johnny Depp movies!

Extremely Entertaining!.......2007-07-25

This movie is very fun to watch. Probably more of a chick-flick, or maybe a date movie (if you have a tolerant guy), but very well acted, and the story is a lot of fun.

Get Ready: Definitive Performances 1965-1972 [DVD] - The Temptations

Average customer rating:

Must Have!!!!!
Wonderful Temptations
Great Oldies DVD
Temptations Get Ready: Definitive Performances
I Fell In Love All Over Again

Get Ready: Definitive Performances 1965-1972 [DVD] - The Temptations
Starring: The Temptations
Manufacturer: Motown
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000GW8RYI
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Description

The first-ever official performance DVD of The Temptations with newly filmed interview footage with co-founder Otis Williams.

• Original Classic live and lip-sync performances of their biggest Motown hits
• Stunning Audio, with all lip-sync performances restored using original stereo master tapes
• Includes hardly-seen color footage of the group in the studio recording "Sorry Is A Sorry Word"— with the Funk Brothers and Motown personnel
• Eddie Kendricks' final filmed performance with the original group, performing the #1 hit "Just My Imagination" on The Ed Sullivan Show
• "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" live in Chicago, from the rarely seen film Save The Children— first time on home video in any format! (with newly restored stereo audio)
• 24-page booklet with essay by Grammy®-winning author Rob Bowman

Customer Reviews:

Must Have!!!!!.......2007-09-04

I ordered a total of three dvds within this series (The Temptations, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, and Marvin Gaye). All three are a must have. My family and friends have thoroughly enjoyed watching each series. Each dvd offers rare vintage footage and "full performances" which take you back to this era. I plan to order more for Christmas presents. They are absolutely a must have!!!

Wonderful Temptations.......2007-08-27

This DVD of The Temptations is really great. I grew up listening to them starting back in the 60's. I am able to appreciate them more now, because I can settle down, and listen to the beautiful harmony, understand the history of the music, and the writers. David's voice is just captivating, it just draws you into his soul. I wish I could have slowed down, and appreciated it more back then. My daughter and grandchildren love this video. Anyone that has more DVD's by the original Temptations please, please put it out for other people to hear and appreciate good, good music. I would love to be able to purchase more orginal Temptations on DVD. Someone should compile all of the performances of the Temptations, from all the shows they were on back in those days on a DVD and put it on sale. We have a yearning for this music. I will buy several copies, along with thousands of other lovers of The original Temptations; (David, Paul, Eddie, Melvin and Otis. Pearl I.

Great Oldies DVD.......2007-08-23

I loved watching the appearances of the Temptations from the past along with the great narrative by there founder.

Temptations Get Ready: Definitive Performances.......2007-08-08

This is a great DVD for all Temptations fans. It starts with the original Temptations, including David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, and it progresses through all of the members of the Temptations with Otis Williams providing the history of each song. It's a wonderful DVD. I have bought 4 copies as gifts.

I Fell In Love All Over Again.......2007-07-17

I grew up in the sixties when the Tempts were at the top of their game. They had such an impact on my life and seeing this dvd was like having them back again. With their rich, gospel-tinged harmonies, precision choreopgraphy and impeccable style of dress, the Tempts were the ones that women wanted to be with and men wanted to be. They were the epitome of cool. There was Melvin's booming bass, Eddie's soaring tenor and boyish good looks, Paul's wonderful dance moves, David, with his super cool bad boy persona, and Otis, the glue that held it all together. No group before or since has captured the magic of this five. Dennis Edwards had some very big shoes to fill when he took over for David Ruffin. He was good, but it was never the same after David left. I enjoyed watching the way the group evolved from "The Way You Do the Things You Do" to "I Wish It Would Rain". On "The Way You Do the Things You Do" they are so full of manic energy and appeared to be so happy to finally have a hit on the charts. It's fun watching them enjoy themselves so. David is fun to watch with his pompadour and sunglasses. Toward the end of the song he starts to mug it up and Paul pulls him back from the mike. It's very funny. On "I Wish It Would Rain" they are at their peak. The lead and the background vocals and the dance steps still blow me away after all these years. These guys invented "smooth". The dvd also features a rare lead performance by Paul singing "Don't Look Back". Equally enjoyable is the interview with Otis. I enjoyed the anecdotes, especially the one about the making of "Ain't Too Proud To Beg". The dvd ends with an a capella version of "You're My Everything" and some beautiful still photos over the closing credits. I highly recommend this dvd. If you are a child of the sixties like myself you'll love being transported back in time. If you are child of the eighties and have only seen the movie, this is your chance to see the real thing and see what made this group so great.

Average customer rating:

Temptations Forever
The Temptations
the temtations
only thing missing is widescreen
There is only one Temptations movie I love more than this one...

The Temptations
Starring: Charles Malik Whitfield , D.B. Woodside , Terron Brooks , Christian Payton , and Leon
Director: Allan Arkush
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005NSXV
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Amazon.com

Conceived as a television miniseries, this portrait of the epochal Motown vocal group scores as one of the most detailed re-creations of the '60s pop milieu ever filmed. Told largely through the eyes of founding member Otis Williams (Charles Malik Whitfield), The Temptations portrays its protagonists as soul Everymen whose early triumphs closely followed, and helped expand, Motown Records' emergence as "the Sound of Young America," providing an inspirational fable for black Americans.

Inevitably, of course, the story is also a cautionary tale about the price of success for both the Temps and their mentor, Motown founder Berry Gordy (Obba Babatunde). With hit records and tours, Williams and his partners grapple with drugs, alcohol, depression, jealousy, and delusions of grandeur. In particular, the galvanic lead singer David Ruffin (Leon) serves as both a focal strength and potential destroyer for the group, as his ego combines with a mounting cocaine habit to create a monster. At the same time, Gordy's eventual decision to leave his and the label's home, Detroit, for Los Angeles marks a loss of innocence for the group and their label-mates. The film provides ample insider detail about how the former Ford assembly-line worker created and controlled his unique hit factory.

Based on the biography coauthored by Williams and former manager Shelly Berger, the project gets a vital boost from behind the camera, thanks to executive producer Suzanne DePasse, herself a former Motown exec, and director Allan Arkush (Rock 'n' Roll High School). That lineage probably pulls some punches in terms of individual characters and Gordy's machinations, but it also affords The Temptations its convincing detail, as does the generous running time--a mixed blessing, due to the original two-part broadcast, which might have benefited from tightening for this video version. Giving the show its greatest kick are the group's original hits, performed and choreographed convincingly in lip-synched sequences. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Temptations Forever.......2007-09-14

This was a great story about the success and tragic events of the great group, "The Temptations".
I'm glad to have it in my DVD collection.

The Temptations.......2007-08-24

This is a great movie!! I would recommend it to anyone. I never get tired of watching it. Great music in the movie.

the temtations.......2007-07-17

i love the movie and it camefast and was still ing package.i wll bye more stuff from amazon.thank you

only thing missing is widescreen.......2007-07-16

I sure wish there was a widescreen version of this great movie availible, it deserves having the "big screen" look. I know it was a TV movie, but I still think it would make a wonderful widescreen movie.

The movie itself is very well done, with a great script, great acting and direction, and fantastic production values throughout. All of these things make it easy to let yourself drift back to the 1960's and the music of Motown at it's very best. Thanks HBO, and thank you Temptations, for giving us such wonderful entertainment.

There is only one Temptations movie I love more than this one..........2007-06-13

I saw this movie when it first aired on network television. Most of the commercials were selling the movie in VHS or DVD format and I've always regretted not buying it then. I knew the price the would go down later, but never imagined the movie would be shortened in its re-release.

In this DVD version, which I own nevertheless, some of my favorite scenes were taken out: Eddie Kendricks performing during his solo career; Eddie and David performing "You're My Everything" -- my all-time favorite Temptations song!; and the New Year's Day scene was shortened. This scene provided the most insight into David Ruffin's character. He talked about being abused as a child.

It is still a wonderful movie, no doubt. It is just to my misfortune that I am unable to watch it without a little disappointment. I enjoyed every second of the original version so much.

Average customer rating:

great entertainment
Get stuff low tec adult fav
You Rascal You
Whatever Lola Wants
Save your money

Frivolous Lola
Starring: Anna Ammirati , Vittorio Attene , Tinto Brass , Alberto Capone , and Roberta Fiorentini
Director: Tinto Brass
Manufacturer: Cult Epics
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002VEUA8
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Description

Join the Joie de Vivre club with the maddeningly charming Lola, as she plots to loosen up her fiancé in this exuberant comedy. Everyone is wild about Lola - even, some suspect, her own stepfather…

Originally titled "Monella (Rascal)", "Frivolous Lola" has generally been available in censored versions. Here, for the first time outside of Italy, and with Subtitles, is the uncut masterwork of erotica at its most humorous. Long renowned for his work in documentaries and the avant-garde, director Tinto Brass is now famous as the world's premier erotic filmmaker, turning out movies that have bridged the gender gap, earning at least as many ardent female admirers as male fans. "Frivolous Lola" is perhaps his most likeable film yet.

SPECIAL FEATURES Widescreen version New Interview with Director Tinto Brass (2004) Italian Language & Restored English Language track Optional English Subtitles Photo Gallery Trailers Filmography

Customer Reviews: