When it hit the theater, "The Hundred-Foot Journey" was a welcomed arrival of summer counter programming. The Oprah Winfrey- and Steven Spielberg-produced vehicle for Helen Mirren was a perfect romantic comedy surrounding food and culture.
When it hit the store shelves on Tuesday on Digital HD and Blu-ray, it offers a perfectly-timed gift for those who enjoy great actors working on a film with only a couple of explosions. There is no super hero team to fight crime, or thriller moments. This story is predictable in its paces, but is filled with colorful expressions infused with beautiful cultural clashes that melt into relationships that will last a lifetime.
I had the opportunity to preview the film last week, and watch it with family members gathered for Thanksgiving.
The story is about an Indian family forced to relocate after a tragic scene of violence that left the family’s house and business destroyed and Hassan Kadam’s (Manish Dayal) mom lost to the ensuing fire. Papa (Om Puri) takes the family to England, where the drab and rainy landscape left more to be desired. They head to France and open an Indian restaurant across the street from Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren) and her famous classic French, Michelin starred, Le Saule Pleureur.
As the differing eateries and its owners clash over style and cuisine,e a romance blossoms between Hassan and Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon), a sous chef at the French restaurant. As the clash diminishes between the eateries, the friendship between Papa and the Madame grows as well.
The spice-filled tale is directed by Lasse Hallstrom, the mind behind "Chocolat" and the script is written by Steven Knight, who is better known for his harder-edged "Eastern Promises."
The bonus features with the Blu-ray range from the delicious – a demonstration and recipe to make coconut chicken – to the sweet with Spielberg and Winfrey talking about working together for the first time in 30 years since "The Color Purple."
Two other features include Winfrey’s time spent on the set and bringing the book to life with shooting locations in France and food "with soul."
Media is bombarding us everywhere.
Instead of sheltering his brain from the onslaught, Steve embraces the news stories, entertainment, billboards, blogs, talk shows and everything in between.
The former writer, editor and producer in TV, radio, Web and newspapers, will be talking about what media does in our community and how it shapes who we are and what we do.
