How about a French period drama with the movie Délicieux?
The movie Délicieux takes place in 1789 and is like a like an historical garden party, with excursions into conversations about cuisine, culture, and history. Like so many other movies and books, this is set in turbulent times. But the focus, mes amis, is on cuisine and one cook’s journey back to his love for cooking. The movie is an excellent choice (c’est une excellent choix) for any French learner who wants to listen to French and improve pronounciation (pour améliorer la prononciation) in an exciting story.
The costume design and cinematography in Délicieux are as remarkable as usual in any French period drama. In this movie, you will be plunged into the end of the 18th century, with the societal hierarchy portrayed so intelligently by the acting of Grégory Gadebois who plays the cook in this story.
French language + French culinary drama = Exciting!
You don’t need to watch this costume drama in the hopes of a really true story being the foundation. But all that dwindles in importance as you follow the turns and twists of one man’s journey in the world of culinary arts in the 18th century. This movie sets itself apart and successfully becomes a piece of art. Sure, you will find that you can predict some of the story as it unfolds. But as a French language learner, the combination of historical drama, well thought French phrases by the actors and actresses, proves to be an entertaining experience.
If you are also a fan of French cuisine, then this is certainly a movie to check out. There will be the highlight of French cooking and perfection of it in a stressful setting, while at the same time you get to listen to French (which is by far more enjoyable and authentic with French characters.)
A basket of intriguing storytelling
The cinematography will plunge you into an 18th-century setting that is carefully portrayed in the movie. Like a basket of tasty vegetables, wherever you look, you will find a treat in the movie scenes that tell the story of a chef who has fallen from grace in position in a duke’s kitchen. As the story continues, we are also led to the supposed invention of the modern restaurant, along the way with the character development, and again, some exquisite movie scenes.
You will not find that the characters are subtle, so don’t expect to rack your brain while searching for intricate plot twists. Instead, watch the movie as a neat combination of French language exercise and a cultural anthropological deep dive into how food and class can be interwoven, after all, la nourriture et la classe ont un élément culturel. Some inspiring acting performances have resulted in scenes that can be seen as pieces of art in themselves.
