Customer Reviews

Chocolat: Music from the Miramax Motion Picture (2001 Film)

5 star:		(47)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although I have not seen the movie Chocolat, I love the sound track. One night I stopped at a local bookstore where I spent a wonderful couple of hours browsing books, CDs, and movies. I love the audio stations that I call Music Bars, and so I listen. After hearing several tracks of Chocolat, I knew that I had to have the CD.

Amazon.com has provided short clips of five of the songs. "Minor Swing" which has a Spanish flavor that lifts my spirit. I feel like dancing. Next "Main Titles," which probably plays as the screen credits roll by gives me the sense of watching clouds or floating on a peaceful lake. "The Story of Granmere" is haunting, filled with a touch of sadness that is artfully woven by the notes. Returning to the wondrous Spanish or Gypsy ambiance of the first track, "Vivianne Sets Up Shop" brings a sensuous touch; I close my eyes and let my body sway in rhythm. "Three Women" captured my imagination imagination with the elixir of sensations.

The rest of the CD is just as wondrous. I play it as I am working in my office, and while it is true that I can be obsessive, I just cannot seem to get enough of the music. Rachel Portman created a masterpiece that makes me exhilarated and very satisfied.

Some day I will see the movie. Until then I willingly give up my troubles to let the music wrap around me. Five stars and magic.

Victoria Tarrani

Rachel Portman, Academy-Award nominated composer from last year's orphan or abortion drama "The Cider House Rules" and winner for 1996's "Emma" has made another masterpiece - "Chocolat." Working again with director Lasse Hallstrom (The Cider House Rules,) she has created her own touching piece to one of the best movies of 2000.

Portman is without a doubt one of the greatest composers of our time. Her music has so much passion that it is amazing to listen to. On top of that, her score fits in so well with the picture that it is just awe-inspiring. "Chocolat" is no different.

Using simple tunes and balanced orchestra pieces, the soundtrack is harmonious to the ears. Once you begin, Portman takes you on a journey that she has set up for you. A journey where you can almost taste the passions and desires that the film shows you. This is where Portman proves that she is a genius. Hallstrom can show you what is going on with his camera, but Portman is able to tell you by using an orchestra to express the feelings of the film.

Some of the score may sound somewhat like "The Cider House Rules," but that is understandable. They are both of the same time period. Even John Williams sometimes becomes redundant. Unlike "The Cider House Rules," Portman has taken her vision "Chocolat" and changed it into fun and riveting melodies that include complex guitar pieces. There is more emotion placed in this album than her previous.

"Chocolat" is definitely Portman's best work yet. Her Golden Globe nomination only adds more icing to the cake. It is obvious that Rachel Portman has serious talent and the world is very blessed by being able to experience it.

The musical score for "Chocolat" was so integral to the film that you will smile at remembered scenes every time you play the CD. But the music also stands on its own.

I got the CD because I love the Django Reinhardt "Minor Swing" but I ended up being hugely impressed with the music written by Rachel Portman. She creates a wonderful, magical mood with her wistful melodies. This is a terrific "put something soothing on" CD that I play quite often. And it doesn't hurt to close your eyes sometimes, and see snow whirling around the enchanted town square of Lansquenet, and see Vianne's red cloak billowing in the wind.

While listening to the enchanting,delicious soundtrack of the film 'Chocolat' it swims through the brain and almost makes the chocolate palpable in the throat.

The lyrical, weaving (and sometimes wonderfully) minor-keyed score fairly oozes with bittersweetness (chocolat!) and Django seems to bring to life what a piece of good chocolate feels like after consuming some. Rather like after love-making some may say.

The music expands beyond the narrow streets, small shops, and limited minds in the French village which is the setting for the film and score. It goes through the streets, behind the closed bedroom doors, and huge double doors of the Church and proceeds to permeate the listener with a both delicious and haunting feeling.

In my opinion: The only appropriate (and justifiable) 'eatable' to have while listening to this album---The finest chocolate you can find, even just a little bit of a box. Or, if desperate, a Hershey Bar from the local gas station will still provide some ambiance for total immersion into the CD.

Ok I have to admit, after seeing the movie three times I had to buy the book and the soundtrack. Neither let me down, but I have to admit that the score seems too short! It's only 41 minutes long and it left me feeling as if something was missing.

Portman does wonders and indeed each track truly takes one back to the film (my stomach growls each time during the "Chocolate Sauce" track; no lie!). By far the best track is #1, the "Minor Swing". You will want to jump up and dance to this, as I have found myself doing in public while listening to this on my discman!

I have had this disc on constantly, from in my car to in my discman to in my cd player while falling asleep at night. The tracks are beautiful and mysterious, fitting the memory of the movie perfectly. You and your stomach will both agree.

This soundtrack is one of the many factors that make Chocolat a truely excellent film. Part of the plot of the movie concerns a merging and acceptance of people from different cultural backgrounds. The music supports and contributes to this feel by setting the culteral, mystical, reflective, and lively tones of the film.

The music reflects a blending of different times, places, and people. I'm impressed with just how much the music contributed to an already strong movie -- much more so than any recent movies I've seen.

While the music does bring back great memories of the movie, the CD also stands quite nicely on its own. A peaceful and sometimes lively merging of orchestra, gypsy-style music, with a pinch of Andean/Peruvian flute for a mystical feel.

If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't seen the movie, I think you may be surprised by exactly how good the story, characters, scenes, and music all fit together and complement each other.

My first run in with music by Rachel Portman was through a movie called Sirens, and the outstanding soundtrack, sadly, was out of print. I was mesmerized by the music, and I was addicted to her amazing style. I own the Oscar Nominated The Cider House Rules, a fabulous soundtrack, and I love Bagger Vance and Emma, but this new track is the tops! With varying styles that are from light jazzy pieces that make you feel like dancing, to gentle instrumentals, Portman has taken the prize again! She captures the playful mystery and romance of the movie in every note, and it's captivating. A must have for all instrumental lovers, you'll be playing it over and over again, and never get tired of it!!

Portman delivers the goods with this excellent soundtrack of whimsical, melodious tracks from the delightful film. The music seems to wrap around you with all the same intensity and emotion as the movie. A winner!

Did you know the best track on the CD features the virtuoso guitar-playing of none other than Johnny Depp, who plays the romantic character, Roux, in Chocolat? "Minor Swing," which is by far the most popular song on the soundtrack, as well as "Caravan" both show off Depp's little-known talent as a guitar hero. He started out as a musician and "accidentally" became an actor. What a treat to hear him play the guitar so beautifully and to experience a new appreciation for his talents.

I saw the movie and imediately went to buy the this soundtrack. It definetly lives up to my expectations. If you want to really get the full effect of this soundtrack while your listening to the cd start reading the book, it will give you chills. I give this soundtrack 5 stars and if there was any way to give it more I would. If there is only one soundtrack you buy this year let it be this one!