“Chocolate 2008” is a Thai martial arts film about an autistic girl with a talent for fighting.
Zen is a young woman with Asperger’s syndrome, but she has astonishing abilities when it comes to martial arts.
She and her mother come to Bangkok hoping to get the money one of Zen’s father’s old friends owes him.
However, they discover that the man isn’t interested in paying them back, so Zen starts working for him and uses her fighting skills to collect his debts.
With the help of her catching moves and incredible abilities, Zen defeats anyone in her way, including the man’s enemies and their tough fighters.
In the end, she surpasses everyone else and emerges as an unbeatable fighter.
CLICK HERE↓↓↓🎥_Watch Chocolate 2008 English Subtitles_
Review
Chocolate: A Sweet and Bittersweet Journey in Film
Maya Angelou once said, “The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them.” And in the case of the movie Chocolate, it is clear from the get-go that this film is a celebration and exploration of diversity, love, and self-discovery.
With a star-studded cast led by Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, backed by acclaimed director Lasse Hallström (of Chocolat fame) and penned by screenwriter Robert Nelson Jacobs, Chocolate was a highly-anticipated movie that excited audiences worldwide upon its release in 2000.
The plot follows Vianne Rocher (Binoche), a single mother who arrives at a quaint French village with her daughter Anouk (Lena Olin’s daughter Juliette). Vianne opens up a chocolate shop just days before Lent begins. Her free-spirited nature clashes with the conservative attitudes of the town’s residents led by the mayor Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), leading to surprising twists and turns.
What sets Chocolate apart from other movies of its kind is its unapologetic approach to tackling sensitive issues such as prejudice, religion, and human frailty. The film does not shy away from addressing these topics head-on but does so with grace and humor.
One standout scene in the movie involves Vianne offering chocolate to Josephine Muscat (Lena Olin’s real-life sister Tcheky Karyo’s wife), an abused housewife. The act of giving her sweets may seem small at first glance but becomes symbolic of offering kindness and hope in times of darkness.
Johnny Depp plays Roux, a mysterious traveler who befriends Vianne over their shared love for chocolate. Depp delivers an excellent portrayal of Roux, whose aloofness masks an inner turmoil that further adds layers to his character.
The cinematography of the film is also worthy of praise. The luscious landscapes of the French countryside, as well as the warm and inviting interior of Vianne’s chocolate shop, are captured beautifully on camera.
What makes Chocolate a must-watch film is its lasting message of acceptance and tolerance. In a world where division and hate can quickly consume us, this movie offers a beacon of hope that we can come together in our shared humanity.
As Maya Angelou once said, “You may encounter many defeats but you must not be defeated.” Chocolate reminds us that even in times of adversity, we can find the strength to overcome and spread love and kindness.
The music composition by Rachel Portman enhances each scene throughout the film. The score is not only charming but also emotional, taking audiences on an emotional journey with the characters.
The film was highly rated by popular critics such as Roger Ebert and Rotten Tomatoes, making it one of Hallström’s best films to date. During its time in theaters, it grossed over $100 million worldwide.
Despite its success, it faced some backlash from religious groups who saw it as an attack on their beliefs. However, as Maya Angelou said: “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” The movie spoke its truth and stood by it unapologetically.
In conclusion, Chocolate is more than just a beautiful visual experience. It is a poignant reminder that our experiences are what make us unique and should be celebrated rather than used against us. As Vianne says in one scene: “You only get one life… It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.”
And indeed we should all take that lesson from this sweet yet bittersweet film – to live life to the fullest with tolerance and respect for each other’s differences.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 2008-02-06
- Genre : Action, Crime
- Cast : JeeJa Yanin as Zen, Hiroshi Abe as Masashi, Pongpat Wachirabunjong as No. 8, Taphon Phopwandee as Mangmoom, Ammara Siripong as Zin
- Crew : Prachya Pinkaew as Director, Prachya Pinkaew as Producer, Panna Rittikrai as Producer, Somsak Techaratanaprasert as Executive Producer, Decha Srimantra as Director of Photography
- Popularity 14.882
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Bam-Ram-Ewe, Sahamongkolfilm
- Summary : Zen, an autistic teenage girl with powerful martial arts skills, gets money to pay for her sick mother Zin’s treatment by seeking out all the people who owe Zin money and making them pay.
- Tagline : She’s sweet but deadly.
