Delicious (2021), directed by Éric Besnard, is a French-Belgian historical drama set in 1789, just before the French Revolution. The film follows Pierre Manceron, a talented but dismissed chef, who defies societal norms to establish the first restaurant with the help of a mysterious woman, Louise. Starring Grégory Gadebois, Isabelle Carré, and Benjamin Lavernhe, the movie explores themes of innovation, freedom, and social change against the backdrop of aristocratic privilege and rising class tensions. Praised for its engaging storytelling, rich cinematography, and authentic depiction of 18th-century French cuisine, Delicious captures the transformative power of gastronomy and ambition. The film’s visual appeal, detailed period settings.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Set against the backdrop of 18th-century France, Delicious (Délicieux) is a historical drama that explores the origins of modern restaurants in a time when fine dining was strictly reserved for the aristocracy. Directed by Éric Besnard, the film follows Pierre Manceron, a highly skilled yet rebellious chef who is dismissed by his noble master after daring to break tradition. Left without purpose, he finds an unexpected ally in Louise, a mysterious woman who convinces him to embark on an ambitious culinary journey—creating the first-ever restaurant open to all, regardless of class.
Blending drama, humor, and a love for French cuisine, Delicious is a visually stunning and emotionally rich film that highlights the power of food as a force for social change. With strong performances, historically detailed cinematography, and a compelling story, the movie invites audiences into a world of ambition, rebellion, and the pursuit of culinary excellence on the eve of the French Revolution.
Main Cast
- Kentarō Kumagai as Laios Touden: The leader of the adventuring party, Laios is a brave and curious swordsman with a passion for discovering new culinary delights within the dungeon. imdb.com
- Sayaka Senbongi as Marcille Donato: An elven magician and member of Laios’s party, Marcille is cautious and often skeptical about consuming monster-based dishes but supports her friends nonetheless. imdb.com
- Asuna Tomari as Chilchuck Tims: A skilled halfling locksmith and trap disarmer, Chilchuck is pragmatic and often serves as the voice of reason within the group. imdb.com
- Hiroshi Naka as Senshi: A dwarf warrior with extensive knowledge of monster cuisine, Senshi becomes the group’s cooking mentor, teaching them how to prepare meals from their hunts. imdb.com
- Saori Hayami as Falin Touden: Laios’s younger sister and a skilled spellcaster, Falin’s fate becomes a central motivation for the party’s dungeon exploration. imdb.com
- Shinji Kawada as Shuro: A rival adventurer with his own agenda within the dungeon. imdb.com
- Wataru Katō as Kabru: Another adventurer who crosses paths with Laios’s party, Kabru has his own perspectives on dungeon exploration. imdb.com
Production Details
Directed by Éric Besnard, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Nicolas Boukhrief, the film was produced by Philip Boëffard and Christophe Rossignon. Jean-Marie Dreujou handled the cinematography, capturing the essence of 18th-century France, while Christophe Julien composed the musical score, enhancing the film’s historical ambiance.
Trailer Highlights
The official trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s rich narrative and visual appeal, showcasing Manceron’s culinary creations and his journey towards establishing the first restaurant amidst societal challenges.
Key Themes
“Delicious” delves into themes of innovation, freedom, and social change. It portrays the transformative power of gastronomy and the breaking of societal norms, highlighting the protagonist’s quest for personal and professional liberation during a time of impending revolution.
Overall Review
The film has been well-received, holding an approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on multiple critical reviews. Critics have praised its engaging storytelling, strong performances, and the sumptuous depiction of French cuisine. The narrative intertwines personal ambition with historical context, offering a satisfying cinematic experience.
Challenges and Environments
Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary France, the film portrays the stark contrasts between the opulence of the aristocracy and the struggles of the common people. Manceron’s endeavor to open a restaurant challenges the established social order, reflecting the broader societal shifts of the era.
Fan Anticipation and Critical Reception
Upon its release, “Delicious” garnered attention for its unique premise and historical setting. Audiences appreciated the film’s blend of humor, drama, and culinary artistry. Critics highlighted the film’s charm and the chemistry between the lead actors, contributing to its positive reception.
Visual Style
The film boasts a rich visual style, with meticulous attention to period details. The cinematography captures the lush French countryside, elaborate culinary preparations, and the contrasting worlds of the aristocracy and the emerging middle class, creating an immersive historical experience.
Director Introduction
Éric Besnard is a French director and screenwriter known for his work in both comedy and drama genres. With “Delicious,” Besnard combines his storytelling prowess with a passion for history and gastronomy, delivering a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Release Date
“Delicious” premiered in France in January 2021 during the Rendezvous with French Cinema event. It was subsequently released in various countries, including Australia in March 2021 and Israel in May 2021. The film became available on digital platforms and DVD in the United States on January 14, 2022, and April 26, 2022, respectively.
1 thought on “Delicious Beginnings: The Birth of the First Restaurant”