Review of Babette's Feast (1987) by Rod A — 18 Jun 2011

The first time I saw this film I was eighteen and had just moved to New York. I didn't have much experience with foreign films then. My most vivid memory of this movie was the presentation of the sumptuous dinner Babette serves her benefactors' guests.

I believe those scenes were, in part, responsible for me wanting to learn how to cook. Upon second viewing, Babette's Feast is much more than a well-cooked meal. I am now much better able to understand the regret and appreciation exhibited by several characters in the story.

The conflict between a spartan lifestyle and the labors required to make complex, rich food receives a humorous and thoughtful analysis. After watching this again, I vowed to do much more cooking for myself and others.