Babette's Feast 1987  G, 105 min.
Genre: Foreign / Drama / Musical / Romance
Director: Gabriel Axel
Cast: Stephane Audran, Birgitte Federspiel, Bodil Kjer, Vibeke Hastrup, Hanne Stensgaard, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Bibi Andersson, Jarl Kulle, Ghita Norby, Asta Esper Hagen Andersen, Thomas Antoni, Gert Bastian, Viggo Bentzon, Therese Hojgaard Christensen, Pouel Kern
This winner of an Oscar for Best Foreign Film is set in the 19th century and concerns two elderly Danish sisters–Philippa and Martine (Birgitte Federspiel and Bodil Kjer)–who take in a Parisian political refugee, Babette (Stephane Audran). Through flashbacks, the story shows young Philippa and Martine (played by Hanne Stensgaard and Vibeke Hastrup) giving up their chances at romance and following their father's desire for them to remain with him and to serve their church. Years after their father dies, Philippa and Martine celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday and agree to let Babette prepare a grand feast for the elders of their church. At the celebration, Babette offers the sisters a wonderful surprise that will give them a second chance at life.
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Carmen 1984 PG, 152 min.
Genre: Foreign / Drama / Musical
Director: Francesco Rosi
Cast: Julia Migenes, Ruggero Raimondi, Placido Domingo, Faith Esham, Jean-Philippe Lafont, Gerard Garino, Susan Daniel, Francois Le Roux, John-Paul Bogart, Lillian Watson, Julien Guiomar, Accursio Di Leo, Maria Campano, Juan Antonio Jimenez, Cristina Hoyos
This rendition of Bizet's "Carmen" is an excellent presentation. It is the story of poor, cigarette factory worker Carmen (Julia Migenes) who is a very driven woman. She bewitches Don Jose (Placido Domingo) and then takes off with a group of gypsies–only to be killed at story's end by a very jealous Don Jose who is upset with her new relationship with Escamillo (Ruggero Raimondi). Very enjoyable fare for opera fans and non-fans as well.
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| 1. Babette's Feast (1987)
2. Carmen (1984)
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