Michelin Stars… How hungry do restaurants need to be to achieve these ultimate accolades in the restaurant world? This is the question asked by HR Boes in the new movie A Taste of Hunger. This story, set in Denmark, shows the lengths restauranteurs, Carsten and Maggi, will go to to achieve this coveted rating.This story shows their highs and lows and is filled with drama, romance and plenty of mouthwatering scenery, food and wine.
Having just returned from my South African trip, where I tasted food from Michelin starred chefs, I can tell you the flavours must be perfectly balanced and created with innovative techniques that showcase the best produce their region has to offer. This movie gives us an insight into the world of fine dining and is told in flashbacks with vignettes of life titled Sweet, Salty, Fat, Sour and Heat. It’s an interesting premise for a story.
Cast
Many viewers will recognise the character of Carsten ( Nikolaj Coster – Waldau) from Game of Thrones. He plays the role of brooding head chef with a focused intensity and strength. The film focuses on the volatile relationship he has with his beautiful wife, Maggi ( Katrine Greis – Rosenthal) from A Fortunate Man. She lights up the screen with every frame and is mesmerising in this role.
The pair play a power couple in the Danish gourmet scene who will risk everything in the relentless pursuit of perfection. From their sweet first meeting to a sour betrayal , the couple’s searing heat forces them to confront their flaws and imperfections as the film barrels towards its climax.
The Story
The story tells in flashback the romance between the two main characters. It shows their passion, drive and determination. And in one early scene Maggi says, “I want it all.”
The couple build a home, the famous restaurant – Malus and a family, juggling two children of their own. But Carsten’s relentless drive and bursts of anger drive Maggi to take drastic steps which could ultimately destroy their family and livelihood. What is the basis of her relationship with Carsten’s caring younger brother, Frederik ?
Everything comes at a price.There are tense moments with incidents involving both children, blackmail, betrayal and intense moments of longing and passion. But what is it that really matters in this life and what is the ultimate price of success ? A Taste Of Hunger shows that like a phenomenal dish, life involves a mixture of all things and you need a balance and combination of all elements to create perfection.
With themes of marriage, work life balance, betrayal and relentless career drive this film has it all and is a strong Danish drama showcasing two terrific acting talents who have great onscreen chemistry. I believe that Hollywood will come knocking on Greis – Rosenthal’s door after this stellar performance. Indeed as a romance writer I was longing for more of these characters and their love, as the story did head off in a few different tangents taking us away from the main story.
If you love your food with a dash of spicy romance and drama this might be one for you. I was so invested in the characters that I forgot all about the subtitles. This sumptuous feast for all the senses will be in cinemas here in Australia on October 13. For lovers of Scandanavian dramas with an excellent cast this might be one for you. The film is rated M and has a running time of 104 minutes.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
Leave a Reply