Oh oh it's magic

I was at the Asian Film Festival this afternoon and saw The Mistress of Spices. The movie stars Aishwarya Rai, one of my favorite Bollywood actresses. Her character, Tilo, is a spice mistress. A child with second sight, she is kidnapped by bandits, but escapes and washes ashore on an island of women. She is taught by First Mother the properties of all the spices. Then sent into the world where she uses her knowledge and ability to read people to help direct their lives. She is bound by rules and traditions. For instance, she's not allowed to touch anyone or to use her knowledge of spices for her own gain. Enter Doug, the uber hottie architect she longs for. Tempted by the possibility of love she begins to lose sight of her work and the spices stop working their magic.

This movie falls into the genre of magical realism films. It is similar to Like Water for Chocolate, Chocolat and Woman on Top. A woman using unique powers to control her world, and finding love in the process. The big question here is can Tilo be a spice mistress and still have love.

The movie is a beautiful payan to food as well. The spice shop is warm, and beautiful. Mounds of colorful spices are precisely displayed on elevated platforms, in beautiful glass jars, and in baskets. It has the same feel as the greenhouse from Practical Magic, so beautiful you just want to pack your things and move in. It's a total Pottery Barn moment.

I found some of the dialogue a bit silly. Thought Dylan McDermott could have done a bit more acting. On the whole, though I thoroughly enjoyed the film. I was just glad it wasn't 3 hours long!