The Taste of Things (originally titled La Passion de Dodin Bouffant) was France’s submission to the 2024 Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film
In 1880s France, skilled cook Eugenie (Juliette Binoche) has worked for the famous gourmet chef Dodin (Benoît Magimel) for the last 20 years, with the two of them living under the same roof. As they reach middle-age, they can no longer deny that their professional relationship and shared passion for cooking has become something more and their relationship develops into romance and gives rise to delicious dishes that impress even the world’s most illustrious chefs. But Eugenie is fond of her freedom, wants to keep her independence and has never wanted to marry Dodin so refuses his numerous marriage proposals. He decides to convince her to change her mind by doing something that he has never done before, finally cooking a meal just for her.
This latest film from French-Vietnamese director Tran Anh Hùng (Oscar-nominated for The Scent of Green Papaya) is both a culinary and romantic delight. With guidance from French chef Pierre Gagnaire, Tran captures the culinary artistry that produce the delicious dishes we see on-screen in exquisite detail. A delectable feast for the senses, The Taste of Things is a stunningly beautiful romance that simmers with emotion.
Festivals
Cannes Film Festival 2023
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival 2023
San Sebastián International Film Festival 2023
BFI London Film Festival 2023
Belfast Film Festival 2023
Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival 2023
Cork International Film Festival 2023
Awards
Winner – Best Director, Cannes Film Festival 2023
Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “a gastronomic feast so rich and romantic, it’ll leave you woozy.”
– Phil de Semlyen, Time Out
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ “This is a film that builds to its poignant moments but not in a sentimental way. Love here is all about putting in the effort and tasting the sweet result of that, which though it may not last forever in the moment, will always be a feast for the memory.”
– Amber Wilkinson, Eye For Film
★ ★ ★ ★ “You’ll swear you can smell and taste every shot”
– Robbie Collin, The Telegraph
“An absolute delight”
– Ben Croll, The Wrap
