The Hundred-Foot Journey: Movie Review

Based on the novel by Richard C. Morais and directed by Lasse Hallstrom, “The Hundred-Foot Journey” takes us through a profound journey that isn’t measured by distance. At the center of the story is young culinary genius Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal), who along with his family, leave their home of India and settle in a quaint village in the South of France.

Hassan has always had a passion for cooking, which he learned from his mother, before her life was cut short in a tragic fire. Hassan’s Papa (Om puri) decides to open an Indian restaurant in their new home of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val. The rest of the Kadam family isn’t very excited, but it doesn’t take much to convince Hassan.

There is one person that is not happy at all about the new eatery and that is Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren), owner of the classical French restaurant which is directly across the street (100 feet to be exact). A heated battle ensues between Papa and Madame Mallory. That is until the she discovers the culinary gifts Hassan possesses and offers to train him to be a classical chef. Thanks to Mallory’s sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), Hassan has opened his heart and taste buds to a culture that is completely new to him.

“The Hundred-Foot Journey” is filled with wonderful performances, most notably by Mirren, Dayal, and PurI. The story is sweet and filed with great moments, but it’s the final 30 minutes or so where things seem to meander. Once Hassan leaves the small village in order to continue his journey, things begin to feel a little off. Also the direction taken with Madame Mallory and Papa didn’t quite work for me. This is unfortunate since everything leading up to the final act is very well done. Regardless, I think the target audience that “The Hundred-Food Journey” is geared towards will find a whole lot to like here.

By: Marc Ferman