Here’s a hot movie tip. If you are looking for gratuitous violence and action stop reading right now. Instead, if you appreciate brilliantly composed shots, being submerged in a rich, enveloping, sensual, and splendidly conceived story, the Mistress of Spices a perfect movie, especially for Valentine’s Day. Paulette picked out this movie on the weekend and I have to admit to being absolutely engrossed for the duration.
The film features Aishwarya Rai as Tilo, an orphan who is raised within a sect dedicated to bringing the healing power of spices to mankind. It co-stars Dermott Mulroney, but don’t let that make you walk away – his presence doesn’t get int he way of a superb picture. Rai is a beautiful woman and a wonderful actress, you may remember her as Lalita in Bride and Prejudice. This film combines and Indian appreciation for movement and gesture, not unlike Kapur’s Elizabeth. In Mistress, The plot is simple, the beauty of this film lies in the staging. The spices themselves are front and centre. The shop that Tilo runs in similar to a 19thC apothecary’s shop with dark woods and elaborate nook and crannying. Popular spices are arranged in wonderful colourful and vivid pyramids on low platforms down the centre of the shop. There are countless small shelves and drawers. The spices in raw and processed form are thoughtfully presented. The movie is set beautifully. I don’t want to elabourate on the plot as I do want you to find this one and watch it.
I heartily recommend and would love to hear any comments if you happen to catch this wonderful film.