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

Rachel Portman (Composer)

Product Details

• Composer: Rachel Portman
• Audio CD (January 9, 2001)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000056O00
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (57 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,934 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com's Best of 2001
Director Lasse Hallstrom's recipe for Chocolat is bittersweet, a tale of human hope and frailty imbued with no small amount of symbolism. It's a story that requires a deft, sensitive musical touch, and Hallstrom has wisely turned again to English composer Rachel Portman for the honors. As she did on The Legend of Bagger Vance and her previous, Academy Award-nominated collaboration with Hallstrom, The Cider House Rules, Portman walks the fine line between preciousness and delicacy with grace and dignity. The gypsy flavor of Django Reinhardt's and Stephane Grappelli's "Minor Swing" sets the story's place and time, while Portman's gentle pastoral melodies outline its emotional core, with a few gratifying excursions into more Euro-ethnic music to keep it well-seasoned. The result is another quiet, powerful Portman masterpiece. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hear the magic., September 20, 2001

By	Victoria Tarrani "writer, editor, artist, des... (Betwixt FL and CA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Portman Scores Another with Chocolat, January 14, 2001

By	Salvatore A. Ruggiero (Carmel, NY United States) - See all my reviews

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.

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant music from a great little film, June 13, 2002

By	Joanna Daneman (Middletown, DE USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

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.