The Taste of Things
dir. Trần Anh Hùng · 2023
The essence of being alive is found in the deep connections we forge through shared experiences and the vulnerability that comes with love.
Feature
Forbidden Love
Mood
Romantic / Contemplative
Look
lush, period-appropriate cinematography with a focus on textures and colors of food and surroundings
Structure
a character-driven exploration with moments of internal reflection and dialogue
Plot
Set in 1889 France, Dodin Bouffant is a chef living with his personal cook and lover Eugénie. They share a long history of gastronomy and love but Eugénie refuses to marry Dodin, so the food lover decides to do something he has never done before: cook for her.
Why watch
"The Taste of Things" invites viewers into a sumptuous world where culinary artistry serves as a metaphor for love and longing. This film delicately unpacks the complexities of a relationship steeped in tradition and unfulfilled desires, making it a feast for both the eyes and the heart.
Cultural context
late 19th-century French gastronomysocietal norms around marriagethe role of women in culinary artsthe intersection of art and love