this film offer many delight and surprise . when achille and philippa beautifully sing a duet from don giovanni that perfectly describe their situation in the movie and you appreciate the subtle layer of this excellent film . the story unfolds in 18th century jutland and the use of period music play on period instrument be just one more fine touch . you share general loewenhielm exquisite joy in his partaking of the cailles en sarcophage even though you be just watch a movie but you do wish for just a small sample to savor . babette be an artist whose medium be food . perhaps no other art form allow the artist to share her creation so directly . the main theme of this movie and the potential that the sharing of food have to transform how people see each other and how they see the world and be much the same a the theme of chololat and but babette feast do not hit you over the head with it message . the townspeople be conservative puritan and but not exaggeratedly oppressive . you come to understand and respect them and ultimately to appreciate their humanity . many issue be raise for you to reflect on represent the nature of art and the contemplation of path take and paths not take and the relationship between the spiritual and the physical and the effect of environment on behavior and the taking of life to give life and among others . the only disappointment for me be general loewenhielm speech deliver at the climax of the meal . i expect deep heartfelt observation and but i get some vague mystical ramblings . the speech have such a minimal impact that i hardly remember it . but this understated film leave a lasting impression . the warmth it generate be in contrast to it austere backdrop . you will leave the theater want to go out and dance under the star .