I've finally watched Babette's Feast nearly 30 years after it was first released. It was surprising satisfying. For the most part, it looks like another Scandinavian period movie. Then it comes the final part. In this isolated rural coastal community in Denmark, a congregation of aging followers led a life of austerity. One day Babette has won a lottery by surprise. On the occasion of the founding pastor's hundredth birthday, Babette proposed to cook the congregation a French dinner, paid for by her own fund of course.

I am not really a foodie. I was not exactly salivating upon seeing the sumptuous dinner. What moved me so much is the overwhelming generosity of Babette. She put all her heart and soul into the feast, creating such perfection that is truly a work of art. It was an altruistic gift. The folks were so satisfied that they have even became more amenable to each other. It was the drama of generosity that makes this movie special.

2016.01.17 comments