Here begins a semi-regular posting of movies that I have seen recently and recommend. I will only post thoughts/opinions on movies that I believe are worth seeing. Consider it my gift to your Netflix queue. I intend to never arouse your interests through hype.
Babette’s Feast (1987) was greatly admired for its craft and use of food (supposedly, an entire genre of foodies owes its name to this movie–Chocolat, Ratatouille, Sideways, etc.) And rightly so: the literary story-telling, well-developed characters, poetically simple camera work, attentive sound design, and, oh yes, the food, all deserve praise. However, the reason for the movie’s greatness is not these parts, or the sum of them. Babette’s Feast is a superior movie because of its generosity of spirit, charity, and steadfast love. It is the most Christian movie I have ever seen.
The story concerns a devout village of Puritans on the coast of Denmark who have preserved the 17th century into the 19th. Fortunately, the movie does not condescend to the Puritans in the same way as The Crucible or even The Scarlet Letter, instead respecting their religion and their priest. And no, the movie does not glorify or glamorize their society; there are a few good (and quite funny) jabs at the Puritans’ antiquated lifestyle, and a student of theology could fairly criticize their physically/spiritually isolated idea of missions. Discerning viewers will find, however, beautiful stories of grace and redemption in all the characters. These stories are told with a corresponding grace and respect for humanity, the kind that transcends the viewer’s experience instead of sentimentally inspiring it. Watching this movie was, for me, comparable to the three-odd years I have spent living, working, and worshipping with Mennonites in the Adirondacks. It was a sacramental experience.
I’d be interested to hear what you think about Babette’s Feast, especially if you are not a Christian.
