Babette's Feast

Babette's Feast

1987 Danish film

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Directed by	Gabriel Axel
Written by	Gabriel Axel
Screenplay by
Story by
Based on	Babettes gæstebud by Karen Blixen
Produced by	Just Betzer
Starring	Stéphane Audran
Narrated by
Cinematography	Henning Kristiansen

Babette's Feast is a Danish drama film directed by Gabriel Axel. It was released on 28 August 1987 and is based on the short story Babettes gæstebud by Karen Blixen. The film stars Stéphane Audran and features music composed by Per Nørgård. It was produced by Just Betzer and distributed by Nordisk Film.

Plot

The film tells the story of two sisters, Martine and Philippa, who live in a small Danish village. They are the daughters of a strict Protestant minister. The sisters lead a simple and austere life, dedicated to their father's religious beliefs.

One day, Babette, a French refugee, arrives in the village seeking shelter. Martine and Philippa take her in and she becomes their housekeeper. Babette's culinary skills soon become apparent as she prepares delicious meals for the sisters and the villagers.

Years later, Babette wins a large sum of money in a lottery. Instead of using the money for herself, she decides to prepare a lavish feast for the villagers as a way of expressing her gratitude and love for them. The feast becomes a transformative experience for everyone involved, breaking down barriers and bringing joy and unity to the community.

Cast

• Stéphane Audran as Babette Hersant
• Bodil Kjer as Martine
• Birgitte Federspiel as Philippa
• Jarl Kulle as General Lorens Löwenhielm
• Jean-Philippe Lafont as Achille Papin
• Bibi Andersson as Narrator

Reception

Babette's Feast received critical acclaim upon its release. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1988 and was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival. The film's exquisite portrayal of food and its ability to bring people together has made it a beloved classic.

Themes

Babette's Feast explores themes of sacrifice, gratitude, and the power of art and food to transcend cultural and religious differences. The film emphasizes the importance of generosity and the transformative nature of a shared meal.

Legacy

Babette's Feast continues to be celebrated for its beautiful cinematography, compelling storytelling, and memorable performances. It has inspired numerous adaptations and has been referenced in popular culture.

External links

Babette's Feast at IMDb

• Babette's Feast at Rotten Tomatoes
• Babette's Feast at Metacritic