The colorful Indian spices and tastefully simplistic French dishes in The Hundred-Foot Journey are a visual masterpiece indeed, however, the movie was unsatisfactory in serving the mind’s palate.
As I watched the film I longed for an emotional connection to the seemingly shallow characters and typical storyline. Main character Hassan’s (Manish Dayal) gorgeous eyes and perfectly shaven face was a visual feast in of itself, but his was the only character I warmed up to. After all, the movie’s storyline did mention that Hassan is popular with the ladies.
The humor seemed to aim at a general theatre audience. Most laughs were automatic reflexes to common cinematic jokes, lacking reality and uniqueness. Reporter Kenneth Turan, from Los Angeles Times, would also agree as he candidly reviewed the movie as overly “polished.”
Movie reviews, both in print and online, have been similarly mediocre and unenthusiastic. The Hundred-Foot Journey has barely managed a 66% “freshness” by movie critics on Rotten Tomatoes. Optimistically, however, it received an 85% “freshness” by the audience, apparently a much higher rating. Nevertheless, reporter Rick Bentley from the Fresno Bee calls the movie “predictable.”
I’ll give the movie 3.5 stars (out of 5); barely a C-. Though I appreciate the mesh of French and Indian cultures, especially as a South Asian myself, The Hundred-Foot Journey does not leave in its wake savory memories. It was entertaining enough throughout but underwhelming in retrospect. I would, however, recommend this movie for its cultural value and pro culture-mesh message.
Allie Teaze
News Editor
ateaze@ucmerced.edu