Rating of
3.5/4
One of the best revenge films done poetically
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 06/01/12
Have some disturbing scenes and numerous full frontal nudity that cannot be viewed by minors. Had a nice small twist with gave the conclusion and well-deserved ending to match. This flick state that sometimes be careful what you wish for because it may come true. It starts with a brash gangster Albert (Michael Gambon) is in charge of a classy French restaurant named Le Hollandais Restaurant, whose creations are produced by French chef Richard (Richard Bohringer). Albert’s wife is Georgina (Helen Mirren) who eyes a lone reader who enjoys dining in the restaurant named Michael (Alan Howard). This would not have been effective if it weren’t for the rambunctious ill-tempered insensitive portrayal of Gambon and melancholic sadness of Mirren. Albert is clearly one of the most memorable antagonist off-putting loutish characters on film. Costume design was fantastic from Gautier, set was well created to make it posh and score was elegant. Direction was magnificent for its time and so was the cinematography. This line of Michael somewhat sums up the picture’s premise - “I was completely absorbed as to what would happen because anything was possible.” Certain elements of a crime, romance, horror movie were exhibited. The Cook, The Thief, His wife and Her Lover had so many subjects tackled such as treating your spouse (or people in general) with respect, revenge, morality, importance of table manners/books, friendship and of course, food.
