Chocolat (1988)

I found there something really quite erotic about parts of this drama as we reminisce with “France” (Mireille Perrier) as she returns to the now independent Cameroon where she grew up. Her father “Marc” (François Cluzet) is a well-meaning colonial administrator in an out of the way province and that’s where she lives with her mother “Aimée” (Giulia Boschi) and their local and stunningly handsome factotum “Protée” (Isaach De Bankolé). With her papa frequently away on some form of business, her mother is left to run their plantation and she heavily relies upon their butler-cum-plumber/fixer/housekeeper. With the assistance of their erratic chef - who was really only comfortable cooking Yorkshire Pudding, they lead a comfortable enough life but with “Aimée” and “Protée” there is a palpable sexual tension that neither act upon, but that positively smoulders. He is a proud man who carries out his somewhat menial responsibilities with grace and dignity, even though he receives little in return - and that delicate equilibrium is sorely tested when a group of visitors arrive and are forced to stay whilst an aircraft is summoned to take them on their way. Now, the presence of the obnoxiously provocative and arrogant “Luc” (Jean-Claude Adelin) merely adds to the already simmering scenario but perhaps he might just prove to be the catalyst that causes this particular kettle to finally over-boil? It’s told largely from the child’s eye and Cecile Ducasse plays her role as the indulged but decent young girl quite engagingly. She, too, is fond of her tall and powerful protector and in that role, I found De Bankolé managed to marry his character’s innate pride and bearing with a sense of purpose that was probably demeaning, but it was his job and he didn’t believe in half-measures. Amidst all the heightened melodrama, there is some humour (usually from the tempestuous cook) and although it clearly identifies the iniquities of colonialism, that’s not really the point I thought it was is trying to make. In many ways, I felt it more about learning and keeping respect - and on that front both actors played their roles quite sensitively.