In February, the French movie that will represent France at the Oscars, "The Taste of Things" (La passion de Dodin Bouffant), will be released. It's a romantic comedy revolving around the pleasures of food. The movie, directed by Trần Anh Hùng features Benoît Magimel and the renowned French actress Juliette Binoche. So if you love pot au feu and other casserole dishes, read what follows and watch our two exclusive interviews of Juliette Binoche, whom we met in Los Angeles.

When TV5MONDE USA met Juliette Binoche in January in Los Angeles, she was campaigning for the movie "The Taste of Things" (La passion de Dodin Bouffant) at the French consulate. "Americans are very interested by the film. They love French art, French gastronomy and love, because the film is also a love story. There's an enthusiasm to embrace what France is about, its refinement", said the French actress to TV5MONDE USA. "Watching the film is a sensual experience she added. When you hear the vol-au-vent crackling... it's about all the appetizing part of life". The movie "The Taste of Things" already toured US film festivals ahead of its release in February - Telluride, New York and the AfiFest in Los Angeles - and was met with great excitement.

- Where to watch French movies in America? -

If you love French cinema as much as we do, then there's only one thing to do: subscribe to TV5MONDE USA. The 24-hour French network airs over 150 French movies every year on top of content around French culture, French fashion and French art-de-vivre. But that's not all, oh non! With a TV5MONDE subscription comes a free access to the on-demand channel TV5MONDE French Cinema on Demand and the French streaming platform TV5MONDEplus, which boasts over 1000 French titles - movies, TV shows, documentaries, kids' show and more ! Ouh la la!

Watch now La Bonne Épouse with Juliette Binoche and Yolande Moreau on TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand or stream Un divan à New York with Juliette Binoche and William Hurt on TV5MONDEplus.

 Juliette Binoche, the muse of French cinema d'auteur

Juliette Binoche, the French actress with a career spanning over three decades, has established herself as one of the rare actresses who has consistently chosen roles that resonate with her artistic sensibilities, rather than lucrative box office prospects. Over the years, she has been celebrated for her performances in critically acclaimed films like The English Patient, Three Colors: Blue, and Chocolat (LINK HERE to the top 10 movies article). In recent years, Binoche has shifted her focus towards smaller, independent films and festival favorites that allow her to flex even more of her creative muscles.

From her collaborations with acclaimed auteurs like Claire Denis (Avec Amour et Acharnement), Emmanuel Carrere (Ouistreham), and Christophe Honoré (Le Lycéen), to her recent role in Martin Provost's La Bonne Épouse (watch it on TV5MONDE Cinema on Demand), Binoche has proven to be a versatile and dynamic actress who is always on the lookout for challenging and meaningful roles. Binoche's unwavering commitment to quality over financial gain has proved to be a rare commodity in the film industry, and her discernment and selectivity when it comes to roles have earned her a reputation as a performer whose choices can always be trusted.

Which is why it was no surprise when she was cast to be the lead role in Trần Anh Hùng new movie La Passion de Rodin Bouffant (The Taste of Things).

The Taste of Things, a gourmet rom-com

Trần Anh Hùng is a Vietnamese-French filmmaker and screenwriter who has made a significant contribution to world cinema with his unique storytelling style. Born in 1962 in Đà Nẵng, Vietnam, he moved to France at age 12, where he later studied Film at the Sorbonne University. His feature debut in 1993 with "The Scent of Green Papaya" was the talk of the town when it was presented at the Cannes Film Festival. The movie went on to win the Caméra d'Or at the festival, as well as the César Award for best first film. Hùng's next movie all achieved critical success and won numerous awards.  

Hùng's filmmaking style is defined by his poetic approach to storytelling. His films often focus on personal relationships, the complexities of human emotions, and the impact of historical events on individuals. Hùng's Vietnamese roots play a significant role in his storytelling, providing an insight into a culture that is often misunderstood by Western audiences.

One of Hùng's earliest works, "The Scent of Green Papaya," is a beautifully crafted film that immerses audiences in the world of a Vietnamese servant girl named Mui. The film explores themes of class division and emotional isolation, depicting a timeless tale of one woman's journey through life. Hùng's unique direction, coupled with the stunning cinematography of Benoît Delhomme, creates a poetic and dream-like atmosphere that transports viewers to another world.

Hùng's next film, "Cyclo," marked a departure from his previous work, taking a more raw and brutal approach to storytelling. The film chronicles the life of a bicycle taxi driver in Ho Chi Minh City who is gradually drawn into a life of crime. Hùng's direction, combined with Nguyen Khoa Anh's powerful performance, creates a gritty and intense portrayal of the desperation and struggle that exists in Vietnamese society. "Cyclo" won the coveted Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival

Hùng's following feature film, "Vertical Ray of the Sun," is a contemplative meditation on family relationships and the passage of time. The film revolves around three sisters in Hanoi, who come to understand the complexities of their relationships with each other as they face the loss of their parents. Hùng's delicate direction, combined with the evocative soundtrack, creates a melancholic and reflective atmosphere that lingers long after the film's conclusion.

His latest film, "The Taste of things" is a not your usual rom-com. It's a celebration of love through the shared love of food, slow cooking, ragoût and casseroles! The movie is set in the 19th century and tells the story of Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), who starts a relationship with a rich man she cooks for, Dodin (Benoît Magimel). When Dodin decides to propose to her, Eugénie has doubts as she always loved her freedom. So he decides to seduce her all over again by doing something he's never done before: cook her one delicious meal after the other.

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Juliette Binoche & Olivier Assayas: The Powerful Duo of French Cinema
Juliette Binoche in "The Taste of Things": a French Gourmet Cinematic Experience