Her confections cause their tasters to lose their inhibitions, and she soon becomes her customers' favored confidante and source of advice.
Vianne, who does not attend church and has a daughter but no husband, is viewed as a threat by many of the highly religious townfolk. The mayor (Alfred Molina) believes she has been sent by the devil and tries to boycott her store.
At face value, "Chocolat" is a sappy story about living life fully and rejecting conformity in favor of individualism. Adroitly embedded in the plot, however, are other issues such as domestic abuse and discrimination Vianne encourages a woman to defy the town's standards and leave her abusive husband. She also helps negotiate a conflict between the townspeople and a band of river rats led by the rakish Roux (Johnny Depp).
Directed by Lasse Hallström, "Chocolat" is a well-crafted film. Scene after scene of luscious chocolate, beautiful French countryside, and Binoche's luminous presence lend appeal to a mediocre plot. It has a good balance between ridiculously corny and mildly profound scene, providing lighthearted humor while addressing the complexities of human desire.