Horst in Translation ([email protected]) "Bella Martha" is an almost 15-year-old movie by Sandra Nettelbeck. As in all her works she not only wrote the film, but also directed it. Also it was her very first movie for the big screen. Since then, in her next 3 projects, she has worked with Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Gillian Anderson and Ashley Judd. Not too prolific though as she makes only one film every four years and next year she will turn 50. "Bella Martha" runs for roughly 100 minutes and was so appreciated that they made a US remake a couple years later with Catherine Zeta-Jones in the lead role. Here, however, it's all about Martina Gedeck. She won the German Film Award and also the German Film Critics Awards for her portrayal here. Sergio Castellitto (the male lead, you may know him if you're Italian or have watched Narnia) and Nettelbeck herself also scored some awards recognition.Idil Üner and Ulrich Thomsen appear in smaller roles here and the rest of the cast is not particularly famous, but still all experienced German actors. Gedeck has been in "Das Leben der Anderen" and "Der Baader Meinhof Komplex" since then, but the child actress, Maxime Foesrte, here has not been in films for several years now. Maybe she is back to "normal life". Would be a shame as she shows some potential here. She plays the daughter of a woman who gets killed in a car accident and has to deal with her aunt as her new "mother" from now on. Obvious, as a big part of the film is about cooking, they won't miss out on the funny parts that Gedeck's character does not prepare spaghetti for the girl, but instead highly exquisite dishes or wants to show her in one scene how you make the perfect crème brûlée. Or another comedic highlight were her sessions with her psychiatrist. And then there's the more serious parts of dealing with death or finding ways to a more fulfilling life.Bella Martha is a good mix of comedy, drama and love story, smartly written and with good performances from everybody involved. Not much wrong with this film except the cheesy title perhaps. Recommended.

kaupy A bit of Teutonic charm that brings you along almost effortlessly. It earns a 9 out of 10 from me, an almost perfect balancing of elements both sweet and savory. If you are a "foodie" then you will enjoy the kitchen scenes and attitudes. Food preparation is Martha's raisin d'etre, at least until she is forced to change from chef to caretaker of her sister's daughter. Then the grip Martha has on her world goes from "tight with the occasional slip" to "strained and slippery".Romantics will enjoy a process of interaction that becomes attraction between Martha and the new chef Mario. Their's is a perfectly paced interplay of her tense misgivings against his amiable demeanor. One almost wishes that Martha's psychiatrist demonstrated as much insight as Mario.No, the movie isn't perfect. The ending was a bit elaborate, a slightly simpler one might have been more effective. But it's by no means a bad ending as is. Small tweaks here and there would have made this a ten for me, but I suspect many viewers may find it a 10 in their books.I watched this with Rare Birds. Another supposedly foodie movie, but in fact, one that barely qualifies as such although Rare Birds is a pleasant two hours. Mostly Martha, as a double feature, would go very well with Chocolat. But it could also be paired with Eat, Drink, Man, Woman for a fusion of east - west dining/movies experience.

ac-42 I'm loathe to write reviews but this film is one I love and when I looked on IMDb William J. Fickling's comment was the "fly in my soup" at the bottom of the page. Reading others comments I see that many people get this movie and loved it - bizarrely there are also a few morons who misunderstood the film and several self-proclaimed foodies who are anxious to tell the world that they know more about food and cinema than this movie can communicate.To address Fickling directly first - here is a comprehensive list of food movies which I am sure leaves out an enormous number of old ones and still further more from foreign shores but at least trumps your list of the ones purportedly worth watching:TAMPOPO MOSTLY MARTHA SOYLENT GREEN LA GRANDE BOUFFE DELICATESSEN MY DINNER WITH ANDRE KITCHEN STORIES BABETTE'S FEAST EAT, DRINK, MAN WOMAN THE SCENT OF GREEN PAPAYA BIG NIGHT LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE JAMON, JAMON HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS & THE SON OF THE BRIDE (cheating a bit) THE COOK THE THIEF HIS WIFE AND HER LOVER ALIVE THE TRAVELLING PLAYERS GREED WEDDING BANQUET VATEL WILLY WONKA A CHEF IN LOVE GARLIC IS AS GOOD AS TEN MOTHERS SIDEWAYS KITCHEN HOTEL SPLENDIDE SUPERSIZE ME 9 1/2 Weeks DINNER RUSH FRIED GREEN TOMATOES... SOUL FOOD EATING RAOUL A Chinese FEAST TOM JONES (love that scene) WHAT'S COOKING (yes I'm aware that some of these movies are "food movies" by virtue of one scene only - but who's counting).Fickling writes "The less said about the plot, the better" - this is a film about characterisation, a film that explores the nuances of motherhood, working relationships, pride and the fragility of the human spirit. A film which shows triumph in the face of adversity, describes a difficult romance and how we can all become more than the sum of our parts. Admittedly there are no car chases, no "twists" and no murders (apologies to the plot spoiler sticklers there) but the film is nothing the less for it. What we do have are splendid character arcs and a generous director who allows the cast to act in an understated way which draws the viewer into the story. Several times I wanted to reach through the screen and give someone a hug and, big man that I am, I even welled up in one or two places. I laughed several times and ate a chicken, a salmon and a small cow after I finished it.Sadly the same man that wrote "the 'buzz-word' about food movies is sensuous" didn't feel the same way, but then someone who uses words like buzz-word isn't likely to. Stick one in the eye to the food snobs who tell you which dish to order and how to drink your wine, order this movie at your video rental because you've seen at least one or two movies in your life which, when the end credits rolled, made you feel like life was worth consuming and everyone could belong somewhere.Finally, to Mr. Fickling - your tone is both condescending and a little self-satisfied - but you're welcome at my house for dinner any time.killedcat

Stephen-34 You have it now. Buy, don't rent this film. It's a keeper. Most notable and with great kudos to the director, the films stays true to itself almost all the way through. Far enough to beat out most other films. There are a few quibbles toward the end of the film, but not enough to shake off the aura it imparts just giving yourself over to its story.The camera moves efficiently and cleanly throughout the film, and the actors respond with clean understated action and dialog.The story is spare, and I found what I think is a clue to the writer's intention, as the protagonist describes the menu purpose of "Fish in Butter and Basil sauce." Listen for it and see if you don't agree, she is speaking to us about her story/film.To own this is, like Nurse Betty, to own something you just have to pull out and watch a couple of times a year. just because they're so darn good.No wonder the folks in H'wood are busy at making an American version for 2007.