If you're not prepared for a sincere portrayal of human generosity, this film probably isn’t for you. It centers on a young woman called “Babette” (Stéphane Audran), who is taken in by two unmarried sisters. Despite numerous chances, these women remained closely connected to their preacher father throughout his life and now seem primarily occupied with awaiting the end of their days. "Filippa" (Bodil Kjer) and "Martine" (Brigitte Federspiel) share their father’s deep religious beliefs in a community where the church is integral to daily existence, so it seems fitting to offer assistance to the struggling young woman escaping the violence of the Franco-Prussian war. They never imagine she'll be able to reciprocate their kindness, but then she wins the lottery and decides to prepare an elaborate meal for her benefactors and the village’s prominent figures. This isn’t a simple affair; it’s high-end cuisine, and when the finest ingredients arrive, the village’s reserved and talkative residents become quite agitated. Such generosity, extravagance, and indulgence—and from a Roman Catholic! Do they fear storms over their devoutly Protestant homes? Indeed, as conversations escalate and the day arrives, we discover that there are several flaws beneath the surface of this outwardly respectable town, and “Babette” may reveal some delicately concealed truths about the villagers for us to appreciate just as much as a delicious pastry. A celebrated general, "Lorens" (Jarl Kulle), is the guest of honor; he had previously been in love with "Martine" before her father intervened, now attends court in Copenhagen, and, having served as an attaché for the king in Paris, can offer an assessment of a meal that initially challenges their more restrained sensibilities. The question remains: will this lavish dinner provide healing and release, or will desserts be thrown? It's a skillfully made film featuring three understated yet captivating performances leading to a thoughtful exploration of religion, women’s roles, and, most importantly, the power of food to create an environment where people can flourish. There’s amusement to be found among the superstitious churchgoers, and the ending neatly concludes this charming fairy tale. This is a sophisticated and elegant production that's certainly worth an hour and a half, and for those who might not know, it was written by the very Baroness Blixen whom Meryl Streep had brought greater recognition to two years prior.

Source on TMDB