The Hundred-Foot Journey Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An Indian family opens a restaurant in France and starts a turf war with a Michelin-star restaurant owner, but then everyone decides to be friends and cook together because food is the universal language of love, or something.

🍿 The Hundred-Foot Journey: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tragedy and a New Beginning

The Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), mourns the loss of their mother in a violent attack on their Mumbai restaurant. Seeking a fresh start, they embark on a European journey, hoping to open a new restaurant and honor their matriarch’s memory. Their travels eventually lead them to a picturesque village in the French Pyrenees.

Rivalry Across the Road

In Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, the Kadams’ van breaks down, leading them to discover an abandoned restaurant property. Despite reservations from his family, Papa impulsively buys the building, determined to open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai. Unfortunately, their new establishment sits directly across the road – only 100 feet away – from Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred French restaurant owned by the formidable Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren).

Escalating Culinary Conflict

A culinary war erupts between Papa and Madame Mallory as they compete for customers and local ingredients. Mallory employs various tactics to sabotage Maison Mumbai, while Papa retaliates with his own schemes. This conflict is fueled by cultural differences and professional pride, leading to increasingly intense clashes between the two restaurant owners.

A Budding Romance and Shared Passion

Amidst the rivalry, Hassan (Manish Dayal), the Kadams’ talented son, develops a friendship with Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), a sous-chef at Le Saule Pleureur. They bond over their shared love for food and cooking, and Hassan begins to learn about French cuisine from Marguerite. This budding romance offers a potential bridge between the two warring restaurants.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Hassan (Manish Dayal): A talented cook from India who finds success in France by blending Indian flavors with French haute cuisine.
• Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren): The snobbish and acclaimed owner of a Michelin-starred French restaurant who initially clashes with the Kadam family but eventually mentors Hassan.
• Papa (Om Puri): The determined patriarch of the Kadam family who establishes an Indian restaurant in France, sparking a rivalry with Madame Mallory.
• Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon): A kind and talented sous-chef at Madame Mallory’s restaurant who befriends Hassan and helps him learn French cooking.
• Mama (Juhi Chawla): Hassan’s mother, whose culinary teachings and tragic death inspire the Kadam family’s journey and culinary pursuits.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Madame Mallory: “What is this flavor that is fighting against the chicken?” – Madame Mallory expresses her disdain for Hassan’s use of unfamiliar spices in a classic French dish.
• Hassan: “Because, madam, maybe 200 years is long enough.” – Hassan responds to Madame Mallory’s question of why he changed a classic recipe.
• Papa: “These French, they know nothing of flavor.” – Papa expresses his initial disdain and disbelief in French cooking and palate.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $22,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $54,240,821
• Worldwide Gross: $90,425,868

💥 The Hundred-Foot Journey Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved this movie! I felt so inspired and hungry after watching it. The scene where Hassan first tastes the sea urchin and connects it with his mother was so touching. And the rivalry between the restaurants, especially the omelet scene, was hilarious. It made me want to learn how to cook Indian and French food! Overall, it’s a heartwarming movie that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a feel-good story.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of food-themed movies.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy feel-good stories about cultural integration.”
  • “People who appreciate picturesque scenery and charming settings.”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and heartwarming film.”
  • “Fans of Helen Mirren and Om Puri.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depiction of violence and loss at the beginning of the film.”
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Themes of cultural conflict and prejudice.”

Professional Reviews

• New York Times: “A charming film that blends cultures and cuisines, although it occasionally leans heavily on familiar tropes. Helen Mirren shines as the initially icy Madame Mallory, and the food cinematography is mouthwatering.
• RogerEbert.com: “This movie is a warm hug of a film, filled with vibrant colors, delicious-looking food, and genuine human connection. While predictable, the journey is so enjoyable that you won’t mind knowing where you’re going. The music helps set a great cultural and romantic tone.
• Variety: “A feel-good crowd-pleaser that celebrates the fusion of cultures and culinary traditions. The film is visually stunning, showcasing the beauty of the French countryside and the art of cooking.

Audience Reactions

The food cinematography made me drool!: Viewers loved the vibrant portrayal of Indian and French cuisine, stating that the food looked incredibly appetizing.

Helen Mirren and Om Puri’s chemistry was amazing!: Many praised the performances of Helen Mirren and Om Puri, highlighting their on-screen chemistry and ability to bring depth to their characters.

Overall Consensus: A heartwarming and visually appealing film that celebrates the fusion of cultures and culinary traditions, with strong performances and mouthwatering food cinematography.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the novel of the same name by Richard C. Morais.”
• “Lasse Hallström, known for ‘Chocolat,’ directed this film, bringing his expertise in food-related dramas.”
• “The filmmakers sought to authentically represent both Indian and French cultures through the food, music, and setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hundred-Foot Journey?

The Hundred-Foot Journey is available to rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable and satellite availability. For those who prefer physical media, the movie is also available on DVD and Blu-ray. Check Amazon for purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Hundred-Foot Journey, you might like these similar films:

• Chef (2014): Both films celebrate the joy of cooking and feature a chef rediscovering their passion.
• Chocolat (2000): Features a newcomer opening a food-related business in a small French town and clashing with local traditions.
• Big Night (1996): Two Italian brothers open a restaurant in America, facing challenges and celebrating their culinary heritage.
• Ratatouille (2007): Showcases the art of cooking and the journey of a talented individual surpassing expectations in the culinary world, with French cuisine at the forefront.

🛒 The Hundred-Foot Journey Related Products

• The Hundred-Foot Journey: A Novel: The original novel by Richard C. Morais that inspired the movie. Dive deeper into the story and explore the characters’ inner thoughts and motivations.
• The Hundred-Foot Journey [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray edition of the movie. Enjoy the stunning visuals and vibrant colors in the best possible quality, reliving the culinary journey at home.
• Indian Cookbook: Traditional Recipes for the Modern Kitchen: Learn to cook authentic Indian dishes with a modern twist. Recreate the flavors of Maison Mumbai in your own kitchen with easy-to-follow recipes.
• French Cuisine Cookbook: Uncover the secrets of French haute cuisine with this comprehensive cookbook. Master classic techniques and create elegant dishes like those served at Le Saule Pleureur.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Hundred-Foot Journey features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Afreen” – performed by A.R. Rahman
• “France” – performed by A.R. Rahman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Hundred Foot Journey: Scoring Session – Composer A. R. Rahman | ScreenSlam

Curious about how the captivating soundtrack of ‘The Hundred Foot Journey’ came to life? This video takes you behind the scenes with composer A.R. Rahman, giving you an exclusive look into the creative process and the magic he brings to the film.

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