Year: 1987
Director: Gabriel Axel
Country: Denmark
Language(s): Danish/Swedish/French
The film is set in 19th century Denmark, where two adult sisters live in an isolated village with their father, who is the honored pastor of a small Protestant church. The sisters choose to stay with their father, to serve to him and their church. After some years, a French woman refugee, Babette, arrives at their door. Sometime after their father dies, the sisters decide to hold a dinner to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. Babette implores the sisters to allow her to take charge of the preparation of the meal.
Babette's Feast is a flawlessly directed film, an example of cinema at its best. The style is somewhat similar to the great Swedish Director Ingmar Bergman. It is a refreshing film, because it does not cling to the formulas of most films. There is no violence, no rage, no death, no cheese. It is an "art" film but it is not pretentious; it is a film with religious subject matter but it is not preachy. Axel's film is optimistic yet sincere and realistic, a real rarity.
It's meticulous in detail, yet it does not overpower the senses. As time passes we connect with each of the characters and understand their frailties. It is a film about healing; a mending of the spirit and the body. It teaches us about the power of art, love, grace and sacrifice. Even a meal can hold great truths about the human condition. Babette's Feast is a necessary film because it reminds us about the good in humanity.
In conclusion, Babette's Feast is a must own. An astounding Criterion Collection edition of the film is coming out in July, pick it up immediately. There is much to learn from this spiritual film and much to gain as well. It is an anti-depressant and should be seen at least twice a month. What a glorious film indeed! Praise it! 5/5
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