Basic human desires. Can’t avoid them.

Good morning. This week I thought I would get a bit more done, but alas, I only managed to watch two films. Quality over quantity?

Eat Drink Man Woman by Ang Lee is possibly my favourite film of the year. Described as a spontaneous comedy interspersed with some spicy twists, Eat Drink Man Woman is so much more than just a comedy. Ang Lee explores the relationship between a widowed ageing master chef and his three daughters that are in their twenties.

Although the film is set in Taiwan, the themes are universal. It is not what is said in words that serve as the primary vessel for communication, but rather, what is not said. As is often the case for intergenerational communication, to speak is to admit vulnerability. Instead of proffering verbal affirmation, Chef Chu’s love for his daughters is translated through food, bringing to mind my own mother and the ultimate act of love, cutting fruit into little pieces. The film shows family at its finest; dysfunctional and yet, bound together in a way that no words can express.

If you like Chef’s Table or Flavorful Origins, there is a smattering of sequences that are sure to delight. In Eat Drink Man Woman, Lee has created a full meal.

Amélie by Jean-Pierre Jeunet is simply put, delightful. I know this seems silly but I avoided watching Amélie for the longest time purely because the film poster is red and so I thought it was a horror movie. Oh, how wrong I was. The film is actually a love letter to introverts. However, while the colour palette was striking, it was not really up my alley. Also, Audrey Tautou looks a bit like Willy Wonka. I do have one slight issue with the film.

I was slightly confused during a few scenes due to a lack of context. This may just be because it is French. Je ne sais pas. Still enjoyable but I would probably recommend watching it when you have time to focus on the subtitles.

Happy Monday!