If the plot sounds thin, be assured it's anything but. The story is as rich and satisfying as the feast Babette prepares. We see the delicate romances that develop for each sister and understand their reasons for turning their suitors away. We see the lives the sisters, and their men, have led after making their decision. The feast comes at a time when the sisters are asking themselves questions that they never voice: Did they make the right decision all those years ago? Was it worth it? Reassurance comes in an unexpected and exquisitely romanitc way.

This film is such a wonderful example of what happens when filmmakers are interested in telling a good story and telling it well. It doesn't follow a 'formula' or cater to a demographic and is a perfect example of why independent and foreign films are so much more satisfying than Hollywood movies.

Wonderfully Original (Rating: 5.00)
Review : The story unfolds in a small, seaside Danish village. We watch patiently as the minister and his two lovely daughters lead their church and community through enlightenment and devout prayer. Rather than seeking marriage or fame, the sisters' faith and devotion to God keep them in this picturesque little hamlet well into late age, long after the minister's passing. At the request of a dear friend, the sisters are urged to take in a Parisian refuge in an effort to save her life during her government's turmoil. Babette becomes cook and housekeeper for the ladies.

Many years later, Babette learns she's won the Paris lottery and decides to host a feast for the kindly sisters and the community that took her in. Though slow moving at first, the story gradually picks up momentum, interest and laughs along the way. The highlight is in the preparation and presentation of the feast itself; to the simple people of the village who have never before experienced such an exotic fare. Unbeknownst to everyone, Babette was the head chef at one of Paris' foremost restaurants and a personal favorite of Parisian royalty and dignitaries.

A delightful film and a treasure for any international collector. The characters are realistically wonderful and cast beautifully. While filled with many charming moments and excellent performances, the entire film is an absolute delight and highly suitable for family viewing. Although some parents may be hesitant to introduce a foreign language film (with subtitles) to their children, it has been my personal experience that children can embrace the important elements, plot and humor of this film, irrespective of individual reading proficiencies. This film was purchased at the urging of our children and says a lot for the uniqueness and originality of Babette's Feast. A true delight for all.

But this really *is* Caille en Sarcophage! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : For years I had heard that this was a good movie, but I resisted seeing it. How could a Danish movie about a dinner be all that compelling? I finally broke down and rented it - and watched it, stunned. This is truly a great film.

The story is simple. Two pious Danish sisters hire a French maid, Babette, out of a sense of charity. Fourteen years later, Babette wins the lottery. Out of her winnings, she proposes to serve the sisters and their fellow religionists a meal.

The film is simple. And like all things that are truly simple, it is a very, very rich feast.

The film can be enjoyed on many levels, but it is an overtly Christian film; and the feast is the Lord's Supper. Babette's gift to the sisters and their community is the gift of grace. Unasked for, unearned, and of inestimable value.

The sisters were daughters of a stern Protestant who had formed a devout community. When the sisters were young and beautiful, they were each tempted by the chance to have great love and success outside their community. But they remained loyal to their father and their faith. After their father died, they carried on with their faith community. But as the years passed by, bickering and dissension set in.

One rainy day, there is a knock on the door and Babette appears in their doorway. She has a letter of introduction from one of the sister's old love, and they decide to take her in. Babette quietly makes herself indispensable to the sisters and the entire village. One day, she wins the lottery, and the sisters assume that she will now leave them. Before leaving them, however, she insists on serving them a proper French meal.

The meal itself is the center of the film, and during that meal all the threads of the film are richly woven together. The pious sisters and their community finally learn the true depths of faith - something which is more than just what we believe, but rather also reflects what we do and the love with which we do it. They are twelve to supper, and that number is no accident. Nor is the grace that flows through that meal. Any Christian can appreciate its significance. And anyone who loves the Eucharist can only smile in joy, when one of the guests identifies the main dish as "Caille en Sarcophage" (Quail in a sarcophagus.) He retails a story of the time he ate this extraordinary meal in a fine Parisian restaurant. The other guests smile, but miss his drift. And he exclaims, "But this really *is* Caille en Sarcophage!" They still do not understand, but the meal works its magic nonetheless.

This is a film of the sacramental vision - God's rich love reaching out to us body and soul.

An eternal celebration to the friendship! (Rating: 5.00)
Review : Babette is a film which inspires you to to be a better person. It's a splendid story about the last possibilities of a lonely human being as Stephane Audran is capable to do in a community.
The multiple readings you can make are countless ; the camera is a silent witeness to show us the unforgettable dinner in what Audran makes a tour de force acting. We had to expect thirteen years for finding out a similar film in its meaning: Amelie in 2001.
The question is not if you must to acquire this movie ; but how can you live without this one?
One of the ten movies from the eighties : A timeless gift from Dennmark to the whole world.

Do yourself a favor and watch this movie - then share it. (Rating: 5.00)
Review : I don't know about you, but I LOVE to have experiences that just fill me with joy. Even better, if it's an experience that is easily shared, I like sharing it with my friends and loved ones. This film is one of those experiences. This DVD is an excellent transfer and you can just SMELL the feast that Babette is cooking up in the centerpiece of the story. But the story isn't about the feast any more than "Casablanca" is about a city in Morocco. The story is about sacrifice and friendship and honor. Many characters in this film make difficult choices during their lives, and although you don't necessarily see regret over and over, you can plainly see silent reflective thoughts about "what might have been".

If movies are shown in heaven, I would guess that the group of angels gathered in front of the current showing of "Babette's Feast" is a large one.