“Le Chef” a film for the “foodie” in you (Film Review)

 

Review by Alyn Darnay

Written and Directed by: Daniel Cohen

Cast: Jean Reno, Michael Youn, Raphaelle Agogue

There have always been movies about cuisine and those artists who create it. “Babette’s Feast”, “Eat Drink Man Woman”, and this year’s “Chef” are prime examples. Each film in its own way is a small masterpiece of culinary cinema leaving audiences hungry by the end of them. Now into the mix comes this frothy French import, and it’s a charming comedy staring, of all people, movie tough guy Jean Reno (The Professional, Ronin), and including a delightful comic turn by the talented Michael Youn (Fatal, Vive La France). So put on your bib, pick up your fork, and dive right into this delicious 5-course meal.

The film, made in 2012, finally graces our shores this week in limited release, so you’ll have to search to find it, but it’s worth the effort. Yes, it’s a lightweight comedy, but one of the most enjoyable films I’ve seen this year. The French it would appear, can match us in silliness and crazy antics, particularly when it comes to the seriousness with which they view their food.

 

Here’s The Storyline:

Life is tough for aspiring chef Jacky (Youn) who has all the talent in the world, but can’t compromise on the food he cooks or what he wants to serve. He gets fired so often he can’t find another restaurant that will hire him. Life has also suddenly become hard for renown 3 Star chef Alexandre Lagarde (Reno) when his restaurant’s new CEO decides his cooking is stale and wants to replace him with a younger chef who specializes in molecular gastronomy. Running out of time and new ideas for the upcoming menu change, he meets Jacky and together they search for a style between traditional and trendy that will satisfy the restaurant’s discerning clientele and the trio of food critics who are expected for the new cuisine’s presentation. It’s that search that propels the film and sets up some really great comedy.

There are some inspired moments of comedy here, Youn’s performance as an undercover geisha alone, is worth the price of your ticket, then there are the experiments with molecular cooking, and Reno’s frustration and avoidance patterns are comically endless. They are both so very good in these roles. And then, add to that a stew of performances by secondary characters that are themselves kooky and wonderful, and you come up with one superb soufflé of a film. It’s just too yummy not to savor the mayhem.

But like most good films there is also some real depth here. Director Daniel Cohen, to his credit, has imbued the story with some underlying lessons about parenting and work, relationships, and obsession, something you don’t usually get from a film of this kind.

My Take, if you’re a “foodie” who also likes movies, or just someone who likes good lightweight comedy, this is one for you. See it before its gone, or you’ll miss a real treat.

 

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5) “Le Chef” is Rated PG-13 – Running Time: 1 Hr 25 Min

The Film is Subtitled.