In a small northern Jutland community, two unmarried daughters of a devout Lutheran pastor are living quiet lives by 1871 (played by Bodil Kjer and Birgitte Federspiel) when they welcome a Parisian refugee into their home who happens to be skilled in the kitchen (Stéphane Audran). Some fourteen years later, he requests a large meal for the shrinking church group and a Hussar general, someone who had previously shown interest in one of the sisters many years before (Jarl Kulle). “Babette’s Feast,” a Danish film from 1987, is adapted from a short story by Isak Dinesen, also known as Karen Blixen, the writer of “Out of Africa.” I mention that because it shares a similarly restrained and dramatic feel, but set within a family of austere rural Protestants in 1800s Denmark. To appreciate this film, you need to be prepared for a period piece similar to “Mysteries” (1978) or “Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure” (1979). It’s even quieter and more understated than those, but it contains layers of significance, such as contrasting elements coming together at the table of a true artist—a place for comfort—like worldly disappointment and strict religious beliefs, Protestantism versus Catholicism, different social classes, experience against innocence, arguing church members, and one's past self meeting their present. I described the movie as subtle, and that’s true, until the final section when some elements feel a bit too obvious. However, I was really moved by the idea of loving someone every day, year after year, even if you can't be with them physically because of circumstances. The film runs at least twenty minutes longer than necessary, clocking in at 1 hour and 42 minutes, and it was filmed in Denmark, specifically in the village of Vigsø, Thisted Kommune. GRADE: B-

Source on TMDB