The Hundred-Foot Journey Movie Review

Is this new Helen Mirren live action film ok for children? The Hundred-Foot Journey Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parent review of the movie. No spoilers!

The Hundred-Foot Journey Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

I cannot believe that I am closing in on the end on my Disney media trip journey, just as The Hundred-Foot Journey Movie is beginning! I am so so so excited to share this wonderful and heart-warming review with you as the movie hits theaters tomorrow, August 8th.

I think this is one of those “feel good” movies of the summer that will have you and your family craving…well, food and family and togetherness. Check out why I think The Hundred-Foot Journey was “My Surprise Film” of the summer and why it’s the perfect family film from DreamWorks.

The Story

In “The Hundred-Foot Journey,” Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal) is a culinary ingénue with the gastronomic equivalent of perfect pitch. Displaced from their native India, the Kadam family, led by Papa (Om Puri), settles in the quaint village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val in the south of France. Filled with charm, it is both picturesque and elegant – the ideal place to settle down and open an Indian restaurant, Maison Mumbai.
That is, until the chilly chef proprietress of Le Saule Pleureur, a Michelin-starred, classical French restaurant run by Madame Mallory (Academy Award®-winner Helen Mirren) gets wind of it. Her icy protests against the new Indian restaurant a hundred feet from her own escalate into a heated battle between the two establishments until Hassan’s passion for French haute cuisine — and for Madame Mallory’s enchanting sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon) — combine with his mysteriously-delicious talent to weave magic between their two cultures and imbue Saint-Antonin with the flavors of life that even Madame Mallory cannot ignore. At first Madame Mallory’s culinary rival, she eventually recognizes Hassan’s gift as a chef and takes him under her wing.
“The Hundred-Foot Journey” abounds with flavors that burst across the tongue. A stimulating triumph over exile, blossoming with passion and heart, it is a portrayal of two worlds colliding and one young man’s drive to find the comfort of home, in every pot, wherever he may be.

Ok, let’s dive in to the delicious wonderfulness of this film. Why is The Hundred-Foot Journey such a home run for me?

1. The amazing actors and producers

If you’ve ever seen a movie with Helen Mirren, you know just how amazing she is. The role of Madame Mallory was made for her. Watch her subtle facial expressions and her transformation at the end of the film. She was just lovely to watch. New upcoming star Manish Dayal is such a refreshing face for the screen. And hey, he’s not bad to look at either (you can check more of his handsomeness in my interview with him tomorrow!). I instantly fell in love with his passion, drive and love for his family. Some of the other actors will surprise you. Hassan’s dad cracked me up!

Besides a wonderful cast of characters, you know that you have a great film when you have Steven Spielberg and Oprah on board as producers. And the bright colors, intimate scenery, and beautiful screenplay are displayed to reach their caliber of love for this movie.

2. The FOOD!

The food, in my opinion, is the actual star of this movie. I could not believe how a dish on-screen could make my mouth instantly water. Each plate, each meal is displayed beautifully and in such a way that food becomes a character of the film itself. It’s really genius! Fall in love with traditional French cuisine, lively Indian cuisine and be inspired as new creations unfold. If this movie does not have you wanting to cook as soon as it ends, I’m not sure what will! And it’s not surprise that food is the center of this film. The filmmakers from Chocolat are on board to highlight food as a forerunner. But next time you want to see a perfectly plated dish, you have to watch this movie!

3. The Heartfelt Story for the Whole Family

This is such a beautifully written story of how only 100 feet of distance can seem so close and so far at the same time. What got me the most about this story is the blending and acceptance of cultures. As a member of a blended cultured family myself, this poignant theme really stuck with me. Using food as a universal language, only then does Helen Mirren’s character and Manish’s family really learn to love each other.

That PG Rating Explained

This movie is rated PG and only a little over 2 hours long. I found that this movie is very appropriate for most audiences, even kids. There is a few small scenes with fire and a people on fire that may be a little intense. But if your child has a love and appreciation for food, this will be right up their alley.

The Overall

Overall, I think this movie ended up being “My Surprise Film” of the summer. I certainly did not go in expecting to love it. But as I cleared the misting tears as the lights rose, this movie really struck a chord with me. Family. Culture. Acceptance. Food. It’s amazing how all of these themes mix and blend so easily throughout the film to bring a really heart-warming film to the screen. And who doesn’t appreciate a good “feel happy” film? So bring your family and your salivating mouths to the theaters starting tomorrow and check out The Hundred-Foot Journey by DreamWorks

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THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY arrives in theaters everywhere tomorrow, August 8th! Follow along with hashtag #100FootJourney and my L.A. trip at #100FootJourneyEvent. Who’s going to see this movie?

Disclosure ~ I received a once in a lifetime free Disney trip as media in exchange for this posting. All opinions are 100% my own but seriously filled with a lot of Disney joy! Be sure to follow Raising Whasians formore reviews, giveaways and more.