Review of The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014) by Kyle H — 26 Aug 2014

This Spielberg / Winfrey produced feature is clearly designed as a feel good dramedy and follows the same genre-formula as many other preceding films; but somehow it often feels good anyway. The movie centers on the interaction between an Indian family who has immigrated to France and opened a restaurant and their highly-accomplished, if not somewhat prejudiced, neighbors in their new home.

When one isn't distracted by recognizing plot conventions, they may actually be drawn in by the charm of the actors. Even though the characters fit into particular types, the performers still seem to put great energy into plumbing for emotional levels and nuance.

Manish Dayal, playing the movie's protagonist named Hassan, masterfully manipulates his non-verbal communications to express both glimpses of pain and concern in his character's moments of difficulty while also playing social masks as the persona sought to balance and handle the various trials of his life and new environment.

Even with the likeability of the ensemble, the movie drags a bit at the end as the movie extends into a somewhat unnecessary final act that stretches the denoument. The length is a little less concerning, though, as one may become easily drawn in by the excellent cinematographic work of Linus Sandgren, who presents each moment as a full photo as if one is looking through a picture frame at something vividly colorful and socially insightful.

While the feature certainly has its dull aspects, there is quite some intrigue to it that may tip the scales toward the positive end of evaluation.