Babette's Feast

Even English subtitles couldn't detract from the excellence of this movie. It's study of faith as a fundamental moral issue is clear. As the energy of the founder of the faith group dissipates many years after his death, it the energy of an exile that brings new life to the daughters of the founder in their efforts at Christian service. When the group falls into gossip, accusation and begins to disintegrate, the stranger, an exile whose husband and son are executed in a failed revolution in Paris, through her artistry as a famed chef of a famous Parisian restaurant revitalizes the Christian service of the sisters. But only in the winning of a lottery does her artistry and personal reconciliation create a truly wonderful meal that rekindles --- no, no rekindling here -- sheer transformation of life -- including the life of the General who was instrumental in the death of the chef's husband and son. Unfortunately the movie fails to inform us of this part in the execution -- only the story itself carries that detail. In an area of hopelessness and drab existence, the transformation of the lives of many is completed. Decisions once badly made -- as the General states in his monologue -- still come to grace.

Randy Alcorn mentioned this film more than once in his book Heaven. Yes, we will eat in heaven. And, yes, it will be our pleasure and joy to share our God given talents with everyone. What a lavish feast Babette cooked for such simple folk! "That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.'" (1 Corinthians 2:9) Heaven is not floating around, without bodies, strumming harps and singing all day long forever. It won't be boring or tedious or unexciting. Read Randy's book and let Scripture grow your anticipation and longing for Heaven.

Babette's Feast is one of the most loved films of the last few decades though it would probably not appeal to a wide audience. It is in Danish and French to begin with and it is as slowly paced as life itself must have been for those who lived in this small village on the west coast of Jutland. It lacks the usual conventions of the typical plot-driven film. There are no real villains, no big events or conflicts and the payoff for the long introduction is a group of older people sitting around eating dinner. Yet it's an extraordinary film. The plot has been presented in detail in many other reviews here so I won't repeat it here.Everyone in the film has had a hard life and has had to make sacrifices that leave them wondering what might have been. This is most true with the three central characters. The two sisters each gave up a possibly happier life for the sake of their minister father and his austere Lutheran sect. Martine gave up the love of a young lieutenant and Filippa a possibly great career as a star on the operatic stage. Babette was the greatest chef at one of the most famed restaurants in Paris but had to spend her years in this small village preparing dried fish and bread soup and tending to a small cottage. After fourteen years have passed the congregation is down to seven older villagers who are quarrelsome and bitter. Babette's life is, at the very least, circumscribed after her life in Paris during the heyday of the Second Empire.After winning a lottery, as thanks to those who took her in (and, I think, to show herself that she could still do it), Babette prepares an elaborate French dinner such as she might have made at the Cafe Anglais. The mere arrival of the ingredients sets the villagers ablaze with concern with the possible sinfulness of such a meal. But all goes well. Though the villagers could not even begin to comprehend the quality of the meal with which they are being presented, a recent arrival is there who can appreciate it, a very nice touch.By the end of the feast the guests are full of forgiveness and love. Even the old carriage driver and the young kitchen-boy Eric are happy and content. The film works on many levels and must be experienced to fully appreciate it. it deservedly won the Best Foreign Film Oscar in 1988. I watch it every few years and this year showed it for guests after Thanksgiving dinner. It was wonderfully appropriate.

-Fabulous!...this movie has subtitles but they are easily read. It is told as a tale, which is what it is. I think I have repurchased this movie 3 times...not sure what has happened to the other two but was so glad to have bought it again. It is a tale about life, choices, generosity, goals, ambition, dedication, sin, forgiveness, and the overriding Providence of God. I think you will enjoy it.

I've watched multiple times over 30+ years and it has always left me feeling thankful to have seen it. It's beautifully shot, softly acted, has very human story lines, and the dinner - oh, it's masterfully prepared for us, and ASMR enthusiasts will enjoy it all the more! The music is reflective, and the few speeches that do occur are spot on. I'm always left cheering on the diners as they move their way through the feast.

A young soldier learns "one thing this night . . ." and 35 years later, in the same house, learns "one thing this night. . ." . He learns 2 heart-piercing truths and pronounces them softly each time. From the landscape, to the characters, to the music and of course the climactic feast, this film is on my list of one of the most beautiful films ever made. So many layers are shaped with simple narrative and settings. Visually enjoyable. Powerful motifs on human struggles serve as food for thought about God, living and charity. Humor, gentleness, harshness -- wonderful.

Charming film and interesting story. An “art” movie !Excellent service from seller . Item came earlier than expected.

My wife and I enjoy foreign movies like this one. This story of Babette's feast is in the genre of human struggles, emotions, perseverance, love, love denied, and loyalty that we prefer seeing. It is one of those truly good stories that has great appeal to civilized individuals who abhor violence, cursing, or gratuitous sex in movies.

OK, I appreciate it has none of the current themes, fast pacing or added effects that modern movies incorporate (often getting in the way of good story). This is a simple tale told so beautifully, with humor and poignancy. Simplistic at first, maybe a little clunky too but the story and characters build towards the feast and it's affect upon them all. It's a tale not about greed, but service, love and gratitude. I was reminded of this film when I watched Portrait of a Lady on Fire. It's in my top five list - and I've watched a lot of movies.

As far from marvel movies as it is imaginable to go.Gentle thoughtful still almost but ful of small gestures and reactions that touch the heart and lift the spirit.A tale of two compassionate sisters who take in a penniless refugee not knowing what delight awaits them. A story of open hearted charity and gratitude.Warning - may result in tears.

An absolute delight ! Watched this again for the first time in 7 years and the joy and the wonder and the love of it blossomed with a greater fullness that only actual experience allows.It takes its own sweet gentle time and builds beautifully.If the next 7 years of life bring me back to the heart of this great film once again I will be fortunate indeed.

This is one of my all time most favourable films. So enjoyable I can watch it again and again.Beautifully acted, funny, charming.All the characters, set in a remote small Danish fishing village, are beautifully observed and portrayed.This period film makes you feel so good! Total perfection!

I saw this originally at the cinema, but wanted to share with my partner. I loved the bleakness and then the sumptuous feast. He got a bit hung up on the puritanical religious angle. It’s dated but a classic.