Mistress of Spices Review

"THE MISTRESS OF SPICES" reviews

Movie

THE MISTRESS OF SPICES

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2006-04-14 15:33:15

Provider

MRIB

Review

After supporting his filmmaker wife, Gurinder Chadha on her Bend It Like Beckham and Bride & Prejudice projects, screenwriter Paul Mayeda Berges finally gets his hand on his own solo project and makes his directorial debut with The Mistress of Spices.

When Tilo (Aishwarya Rai), a young member of an old, mystical secret clan of women who believe spice can help others lead richer lives is sent to Oakland, USA to open a spice shop she is told she must follow three rules. In order to become an official spice girl she must never think about her own, personal desires, never physically touch anyone else, and never leave her shop. In return, her store - Spice Bazaar is filled to the brim with all manner of exotic goods, something for everyone. Over time, her customers become devotees, looking for cures for their problems to improve their lives and give their romances a bit of a boost.

When the beautiful Rai comes to town, the men also come a flocking and soon, her stunning blue eyes capture the attention of Doug, a handsome architect, played by Dylan McDermott. He crashes his Harley in front of her store, but soon, whether it's the aroma or his devilishly good looks, her heart takes over, but what will become of her spice power?

This is a feel good, romantic film that bears a strong resemblance to Chocolat. Sadly, the romance between Rai and McDermott fails to heat-up, despite the amount of cardamom pods or dried chilli surrounding them. Instead the joys of the film are the richness of and warmth of colours, with all the colours of the rainbow crammed into the quaint shop, while the eyes of Rai are enticing.

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