A perfect dish is more than just its ingredients - it needs soul, emotion and love. The same is true for a great film; The Hundred Foot Journey captures this perfect blend.
Hassan (Manish Dayal) and his family move from India to a French village, where they open a restaurant. But they have competition: across the road is a Michelin-starred eatery run by the snobbish Madame Mallory (Helen Mirren). Annoyed by her new neighbours, and obsessed with getting a second Michelin star, she tries to shut down Maison Mumbai, sparking a war with Hassan's stubborn dad (Om Puri).
As their feud wears on, Hassan's skills as a chef develop, as do his feelings for Madame Mallory's sous chef, Marguerite (Charlotte Le Bon). Recognising Hassan's talent, Madame Mallory eventually turns from enemy to mentor, and invites him to cross the "hundred foot" gap from his dad's restaurant to her kitchen.
Mirren and Puri provide a beautifully complex clash of cultures and tastes. Dayal's quiet, yet expressive acting draws the audience in. While the love story is a main component, it is not overpowering.
The film is also a feast for the eyes, with stunning sequences capturing the drama, tension and beauty of the kitchen. It will leave your mouth watering.