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Film & Food: 16 Of The Finest Movies Which Are A Must-Watch For Anyone Who Loves Food


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If you would ask me what I would like to do for the rest of my life, I would always answer with one word: Eat!

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If there is anything in the world that I love unconditionally, it is food.

Is there anything better than eating your favourite food?

Digging into that freshly prepared chicken curry, finished with some chopped coriander, or having your fingers turn yellow after eating that delightful fish curry?

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Or having a heavenly helping of dal with steamed rice? Or biting into the piece of that decadently gorgeous chocolate cake?

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Or a spoonful of that Biryani?

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Who can resist the smell of freshly fried garlic or not get enchanted by the sound of sizzling onions?

(The answer is always a resounding “NO”)

I mean, can there be any love more sincere than the love for food?

If there has to be a unanimous entity for bringing people together, I don't think that can be accomplished by anything other than food.

Food has an intrinsic quality, an all-pervasive nature: it serves as a mirror to culture, a part of the tradition, a bond for communities, an allegory for desires, an expression of love.

I have hardly come across another entity as ubiquitous as food, its inherent diversity; how its excess can cause you discomfort and so can its dearth.

How it trickles down to the most downtrodden parts of society but is also adulated in haute living.

How it can be sensual, ignite passions, add spice to your life, and in turn, can also be a proponent of disgust or the start of a grotesque fiasco.

Another facet which accompanies food and is crucial is its presentation, its ocular appeal. 

And as humans, who are visual by nature, our gastronomical desires are magnified tenfold when we see food on the big screen.

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Remember that Chocolate Cake from the movie “Matilda”?

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Film and food share a relationship of yore; movies celebrating food are shot gorgeously, are aesthetically pleasing while they tell stories of people like us, and how food influences us all.

In these films, food drives the story forward, changes the protagonist's life.

Movies also incorporate sound, which is an important aspect of food: be it cutting into it or its preparation, the clanging of utensils, the sizzle of a pan.

Essentially, these movies provide the union of two of the senses: visual and aural, which is always an amazing combination.

So, here are 16 delectably scrumptious movies that quite literally serve a piece of life (and make you raid your fridge in the middle of the night):

1. Julie and Julia (2009):

Stuck in the rut of her bureaucratic dead-end job (Hello there!), Julie Powell decides (Amy Adams) to take on a project to relieve herself from the boredom of her uneventful life.

The project: Cooking her way through Julia Child's enormous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, in 365 days and blogging about it.

Little does she know that this little venture of hers will change her life forever.

Two stories, two women, bound by their mutual love for food.

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Starring Amy Adams as Julie Powell and Meryl Streep as the famous, celebrated cook, Julia Child, the movie explores the lives of the two women parallelly in two different eras: Julie, in 2002, as she starts her blog and cooks up all the 524 recipes, and Julia, in 1949, as she moves to Paris and finds her calling as a chef and collaborates on the now-famous cookbook which made her into a culinary icon.

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Julie and Julia, directed by Nora Ephron, is one of the most heartwarming movies which celebrate food and its importance in life. It drives home the fact that inspiration can come in any form, you just need to believe in yourself.

(If you wish, you can read my review on the movie here:

USP: The food! The gorgeous, divine, decadent food!  Especially the “Butter Monologue” and the “Boeuf Bourguignon”.

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Meryl Streep as Julia Child is a phenomenon; not only is the resemblance uncanny, she impersonates Julia Child's idiosyncrasies to the T, be it the trademark, out-of-breath, slightly tipsy voice or the quirky mannerisms.

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“Bon Appetit!”

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2. Chef (2014):

When Carl (Jon Favreau), a renowned chef of a famous restaurant in California decides to be more creative with his recipes, he is met with resistance from the restaurant owner, Riva (Dustin Hoffman).

To make matters worse, he gets into a public altercation with a prestigious food critic, Ramsey Michel, after the latter writes a distasteful review of his food.

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Heartbroken, he quits the job and embarks on a journey of self-discovery through food; food that he actually loves and that fulfils his creative aspirations.

Eventually, he opens a food truck while trying to mend his frail relationship with his estranged son, Percy (Emjay Anthony). 

Will he be successful?

USP: The food scenes are aesthetically attractive, kudos to cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau.

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Jon Favreau's directorial prowess and love for food is apparent in the movie.

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3. The Lunchbox (2012):

In an attempt to add some zing into her unromantic marriage, Ila (Nimrit Kaur) turns to the most trusted entity of all: food.

And in her quest to quite literally spice up her love life, she decides to send her inattentive husband, Rajiv, a lunch every day with the help of ever-dependable dabbawallas in Mumbai.

But by a curious twist of fate, the dabba prepared for her husband lands on the table of Saajan Fernandes (Irfan Khan), an aged, lonely widower who works as an accountant.

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Upon realizing her mistake, she sends in a letter with her next lunchbox elaborating on the predicament, which starts a correspondence that soon turns into a beautiful friendship, guided by letters and an erroneously delivered lunchbox containing delicious food.

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USP: The movie encapsulates the beauty of human relations: how we can forge connections with people we have never met yet can completely relate to and understand. 

And it helps even more when food is involved in the equation!

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Again, the food! Especially, the Paneer Kofta which Ila makes as a thank you gesture. :D

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The superb performances by Irfan and Nimrit tug at your heart. And not to forget, Deshpande Auntie (who is not seen but only heard)!

4. Chocolat (2000):

When free-spirited, single mother Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche) arrives in a quaint, quiet village in France with her daughter Anouk, her unconventional ways earn her the ire of the village folk, especially the staunchly conservative mayor, Comte de Reynaud.

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Vianne, an expert chocolatier, opens up a small chocolate shop in the village, much to the displeasure of Reynaud who vehemently opposes her, publicly accusing her of bringing temptation into the lives of the people, especially during Lent.

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As the story progresses, Vianne's eponymous temptation, the aforementioned chocolate, brings about a change in the village and its inhabitants in varied ways. 

The plot thickens when Vianne's own desire comes in the form of Roux, a gypsy who wants more than her chocolate.

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USP: The chocolate! Duh! :P

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5. Like Water for Chocolate (1992):

A passionate Mexican movie, directed by Alfonso Arau and based on Laura Esquivel's novel, showcasing how food affects life, and how our emotions influence not only the food we cook but also the people we serve it to.

With themes of magic realism, the movie focuses on the illicit relationship between Tita (Lumi Cavazos) and Pedro (Marco Leonardi).

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Why illicit? Because as per family tradition, Tita, being the youngest of three daughters cannot marry and needs to live her life as a help to the other members, especially her mother, Mama Elena (Regina Torné).

Resigned to her fate, Tita learns cooking under the tutelage of the chef, Nacha (Ada Carrasco), who teaches her the relationship between food and life.

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Heartbreakingly, when Pedro comes to express his love for Tita, he is betrothed to her sister, Rosaura (Yareli Arizmendi), in exchange as the tradition still stands.

As her affair with Pedro intensifies, her feelings start to seep into the food she cooks, eventually becoming an outlet for her emotions, but also inadvertently manifesting itself the behaviour of the people around her.

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USP: There are two scenes: 

As she prepares the cake for Pedro's wedding, Tita weeps, and her tears fall into the batter which leads to an eventful dinner reception.

When she uses roses gifted by Pedro to make a quail dinner with rose petal sauce, it leads to her family feeling inexorable carnal desire.

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6. The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover (1989):

Michael Gambon (Yes, Dumbledore!) stars in this vogueish black comedy/ crime drama as Alberta Spica (The Thief), an uncouth and repulsive gangster who, along with his band of thugs, has taken over the French restaurant “Le Hollandais” but calls himself an urbane gourmet.

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He terrorizes everyone in the restaurant, but the brunt of the terror is unleashed most on his sophisticated wife, Georgina (Helen Mirren/The Wife) and the head chef, Richard Borst (Richard Bohringer/The Cook) who despises Alberta but is unable to do anything about it.

Drama ensues when Georgina finds herself lusting for a regular customer, Michael (The Lover/Alan Howard), who is a bookshop owner and reads while he eats. As her affair progresses, Alberta finds out and then makes life hell for the staff which helps Georgina with her lover.

USP: The performances by the lead cast.

The film uses food as an allegory for the voyeuristic attitude of Alberta and his pretentiousness. His supposed gourmet personality is a far cry from his real one, which he tries to hide like spices are used to mask uncooked food.

Warning: You need a strong stomach for this! :P

7. I Am Love (2009):

In this Italian film, Tilda Swinton stars as Emma, the Russian-born daughter-in-law of a wealthy, Milanese family, the Recchi's, who is trying to find herself, away from the glittery, Haute living her family expects her to lead.

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As she ruminates over her predicament during a lavish family dinner, help comes in the form of young Antonio Bisceglia (Edoardo Gabbriellini), a celebrated chef who incites her dormant passion with the aid of food.

Matters worsen when her son Edoardo Jr. clashes with the family regarding the set path for him as Emma finds herself drawn to Antonio.

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USP: Tilda Swinton and the prawns.

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8. Ratatouille (2007):

What can I say about this delightful movie?

Not only is it one of the best animated movies to have ever been made, but it also features delicious food!

The wonderful comedy revolves around a rat, with a highly developed sense of smell and taste named Remy (Patton Oswalt) who aspires to become a chef. As luck would have it, he ends up in the kitchen of the restaurant of his recently deceased idol, chef Auguste Gusteau's (Brad Garett).

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Once there, he manages to strike up a friendship with the garbage boy, Alfredo Linguini (Lou Romano), helping him and guiding him in creating dishes and earn the appreciation of the new owner, Chef Skinner (Ian Holm).

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But soon, a secret is revealed that changes the course of the movie.

Friendship, love, and food in one neat package!

USP: The entire Anton Ego (the irascible food critic portrayed by Brad Bird) sequence and the ratatouille dish, confit byaldi!

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Never have I seen such a beautiful rendition of food in mainstream animated movies! (Not counting the stunning food shown in Anime :P)

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9. Burnt (2015):

Starring Bradley Cooper as a drug-addled former executive chef Adam Jones, the story revolves around his quest to put his life back on track and earn a third Michelin Star.

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Adam is a brilliant but mercurial chef whose creativity is marred by his drug habit and unstable temper, which destroys his mentor's restaurant in Paris along with Adam's credibility. 

Adam realizes his self-destructive streak and goes on a self-imposed exile to New Orleans to gain perspective.

He travels to London to pursue his dream of the Michelin Star, under the banner of his restaurateur friend, who grudgingly allows him to become a chef in his hotel.

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His luck seemingly changes until ghosts from his past and his own mental stability conspire to take him down.

USP: The food porn!

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10. Big Night (1996):

In this dramedy, two Italian brothers, Primo and Secondo, put out all strings for the 'Big Night' that will catapult their sinking authentic Italian restaurant, Paradise, to dizzying heights.

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Primo, the perfectionist of the two, is annoyed and frustrated by the Americanized version of authentic Italian dishes, which he refuses to serve to customers, insisting on cooking only the true version, leading to him losing customers by the score.

Secondo, the businessman of the duo, is more concerned with the running of the place and keeping it afloat than to retain cultural heritage.

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With nowhere else to go, they try to strike out a deal with their nemesis, Pascal who owns a successful restaurant, who refuses to give them a loan. But, in an unlikely liberal gesture offers them to treat Louis Prima, a renowned American-Italian singer, to a meal at their restaurant who can change their fortune.

Will they be successful?

USP: The crowning glory has to be the timpano!

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Tony Shalhoub as Primo and Stanley Tucci as Secondo are delightful in their roles; the best part of the movie is any scene they are together!

11. 'The Trip' Trilogy (2010/2014/2017-):

This BBC series which was made into a feature film stars Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon as themselves on a gastronomical journey through Northern England (in the first movie/series) commissioned by the Observer; their job is to visit different restaurants, try their food and review it.

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When Steve's girlfriend refuses to go with him on the trip, he invites his frenemy, fellow actor/comedian Rob Brydon to accompany him on the journey.

As they travel through England, locking horns with each other on everything. Guided by their egos, trying to outwit each other, while being clueless about fine dining, their animosity dissolves into a camaraderie which is fun to watch.

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Be it their fight over who can do a better Michael Caine impression or which syllable should be pronounced first in kumquat, Rob and Steve meander across beautiful locales, eating decadent, delicious food.

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And it isn't over in England! They return to wander across Italy in the sequel with renewed vows to upstage each other.

And if that wasn't enough, they are back to eat more and traipse around in broken Spanish in the next sequel, The Trip to Spain!

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One of the best road trip movies ever!

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USP: The nearly pornographic shots of the food: The buttery scallops frying in the pan! Absolute bliss!

The cheesy pasta in “The Trip to Italy”; divine!

Not to forget, the Michael Caine impersonation by Rob Brydon is spot on!

Rob and Steve' bromance, their will-they won't-they chemistry, their asinine fights, has to be one of the most hilarious parts of the movie, cementing them into iconic duo status.

12. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971):

One of the most adored children's books of all time, 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', was adapted to screen in 1973 in a movie written by Roald Dahl (who later disowned it), with Gene Wilder playing Willy Wonka in a now-iconic role.

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And who can forget the Oompa Loompas?

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The story focuses on Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who finds himself the winner of a Golden Ticket giving him access to Willy Wonka's bizarre and unconventional Chocolate Factory along with four other children (and his whiner of a grandfather).

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The children, each with their unique personalities, are promised a lifetime supply of chocolate at the end of the trip.

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But will it be as easy as it looks?

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USP: Willy Wonka's legendary forward roll!

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The Chocolate Room: All you can eat candy! :D

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Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka is perfect, and no one has come close to his sweetly comical yet maniacal (and terrifying) portrayal of one of Roald Dahl's most notorious characters.

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13. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005):

While both iterations of this children's book capture the quirky Willy Wonka and Charlie's adventures inside the Chocolate factory superbly, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is truer to the novel than its predecessor.

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Starring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka, this movie has superior special/visual effects and a more whimsical setting, typical of Tim Burton's movies.

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The movie stands out in terms of character development, giving a backstory to Willy Wonka which serves a reason for his eccentric personality, something which wasn't quite clear in the 1971 movie.

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USP: The chocolate river! It truly looks edible (also because it is faux melted chocolate) and is much better than the 1971's dull version. It is visually more appealing.

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The squirrels breaking the nuts always cracks me up!

Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka is superb; wacky and quirky (but still not close to Gene Wilder), with just a touch of authenticity.

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14. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009):

Eccentric wannabe scientist Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader) is always working on a new project: spray-on shoes, hair un-balding serum, a monkey thought translator. But unfortunately for him, all his endeavours result in failure.

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When his new project, a machine that converts water into food, the FLDSMDFR, fails and inadvertently gets launched into space while wreaking havoc on the town, Flint decides to hang up his shoes.

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As he miserably walks around as the social pariah, his machine makes a comeback in style: it starts raining cheeseburgers all over town. 

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Flint then uses a communicator to let the machine cater to the epicurean needs of the residents of Chewandswallow.

Overjoyed, the town people keep making requests until their greed and gluttony sets in.

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As a catastrophe seems to be imminent, Clint sets off with his new friends, Sam Sparks (Anna Farris), Officer Devereaux (Mr. T), Brent (Andy Samberg), Manny (Benjamin Bratt), and his BFF Steve the Monkey (Neil Patrick Harris), to end it.

USP: The food storm! All the spaghetti and the meatballs, and the ICECREAM!

Flint's father, Tim (James Caan), is the absolute best!

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15. Eat Drink Man Woman (1994):

In this Taiwanese comedy-drama, Mr Chu (Sihung Lung) is a widowed Chinese master chef with three unmarried daughters, who cooks up a dinner feast every Sunday for his daughters as a tradition.

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His independent daughters, with their ideas of the modern world and diverse dispositions, clash with their traditionalist father over the dinner table.

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As the struggle over the superiority of values continues, with generation gap running rampant, the daughters and Mr Chu realize that perhaps traditions and new ideas can mix well, just like food with unconventional ingredients.

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Directed by Ang Lee, the movie has a quiet grace about itself, its wisdom percolating in the viewer's mind through the brilliant story.

USP: The food throughout the movie, especially the opening sequence.

Mr Chu's passion for food and his dexterity in his craft is apparent in the scenes.

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The beautiful, intricate dumplings!

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16. Waitress (2007):

Keri Russell stars as Jenna, a down-on-her-luck waitress who creates ingenious pies with uncommon names.  Stuck in an unhappy marriage, Jenna's world is further complicated when she finds out that she is pregnant with her abusive husband's child.

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As Jenna struggles with the new revelation, her only comfort being the therapeutic pie making she indulges in, respite comes in the form of a pie baking contest with a $25,000 prize which can be the key to her happiness and freedom.

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As she gears up for the competition, luck seems to have a different plan for her.

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USP: The pies and their creative names: 

The Strawberry Chocolate Oasis Pie, Baby Screaming Its Head Off In The Middle Of The Night And Ruining My Life Pie, Kick In The Pants Pie.

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As decadent as they sound! :P

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So, what are you waiting for? Watch these now!

Let the foodie in you reign supreme!

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P.S.: Don't watch these on an empty stomach. :P

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