Review of Babette's Feast (1987) by Jonathan B — 03 Dec 2011

A wonderfully simple and yet hauntingly beautiful story penned by that master story teller, Karen Blixen. Babette's Feast is the story of two sisters living in a bleak community in Jutland. They are the daughters of a elderly pastor who ministers to his flock and has an austere and somewhat authoritarian, although loving view of the world.

The sisters are physically beautiful and attract attention that is always rejected in favour of the pious and righteous path. Gradually, the sisters age and their beauty begins to fade and they become caught up in ministering to the elderly and holding together their father's parish.

Years after the death of their father, a French woman, Babette, arrives at their house with an introduction from a former suitor. She is fleeing the political turmoil in her homeland that has left her husband and son murdered and her home destroyed.

Babette becomes the housemaid and cook for the elderly sisters. Slowly Babette's influence permeates the whole community and then a stroke of luck and a generous offer made to celebrate the centenary of the birth of the pastor changes everything for the sisters.

This is a warm and amusing movie told with a great eye for detail. The casting is flawless with Stà (C)phane Audran an utter delight as Babette. Although it is true to say that this is a slight tale, not a huge amount actually happens so well drawn are the characters and their interplay with each other that it is never dull and always engaging.

Seen again recently after more than 20 years, the beauty of this film and the true sentiment behind it still managed to move me to tears and leave me with a happy glow at the end.