Another successful Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) comes to a close with THE POT-au-FEU – aptly described as an art house food porn flick. A movie you’re best not to watch on an empty stomach. 
The English title is called “The Taste of Things” which is nicer sounding than the actual translation “Pot on the Fire.” The Pot-au-Feu was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it had its world premiere on 24 May 2023. It was chosen as the closing film for VIFF on 7th October, 2023.
The movie features former real-life couple Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient) and Benoît Magimel (The Piano Teacher). Binoche plays Eugénie; the personal cook for one of France’s most renowned gourmet chefs, M. Dodin Bouffant (Magimel).
The pair star in “The Scent of Green Papaya’ writer-director Tràn Anh Hùng’s movie about a couple coming together both in and out of the kitchen. I suppose you can call it a love story – one mostly to do with food as it is depicted as a vehicle for pleasure (or possibly a substitute for sex, or maybe foreplay if you remember that scene from 9 1/2 weeks). This is not about food foreplay though – it’s the main event. No one will disagree that the cinematography is really outstanding with the French countryside serving as a backdrop to what’s cooking in the kitchen. Food wise, the film is phenomenal to the point where you can almost taste it!
The stars hold their own but the real star of this film is French chef Pierre Gagnaire who served as gastronomy director while also appearing in the film in the small role of a chef. He deserves an Oscar for his mouth watering epicurean creations alone.
The movie also takes in a young female apprentice which goes to prove that similar to learning ballet and piano lessons and being proficient at either; it’s best to teach them at a young age to achieve lasting results.
My takeaway: A relationship based purely on sexual desire is doomed to failure, but if there’s good food involved, it has a chance.
If anything, this movie will inspire you to want to better your culinary skills and create new ways to elevate ordinary everyday dishes.
A simple yet heartfelt line from the movie – “Happiness is continuing to desire what you already have.” – The best sounding advice I’ve ever heard.
Classic Pot-au-Feu
Pot-au-feu is the national dish of France. This essential version combines beef shank and rump roast with eight vegetables and a blend of herbs for an extra-comforting bowl.
Classic Recipe:
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/classic-pot-au-feu
The movie is scheduled for release to theatres on November 8th. French with English subtitles.
Movie Trailer:
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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