Where to Stream
Madison
TAKES
“Babette’s Feast” tells the story of Babette Hersant, a Parisian refugee who finds sanctuary as a cook for two pious, elderly sisters in a remote Danish village. When Babette wins a lottery, she uses her winnings to prepare a lavish, authentic French feast for the austere community, a meal that transcends their rigid, ascetic lifestyle and awakens their senses to the beauty and joy of earthly pleasures.
“Babette’s Feast” is included in the Madison Media Library because of its aesthetic qualities in the telling of a beautiful story. The film contrasts the spartan faith of a small religious community in a remote area of Denmark with the extravagent “feast” prepared by the French chef refugee. The film explores themes of grace, sacrifice, and the transformative power of art, demonstrating how Babette’s culinary masterpiece not only nourishes the body but also heals past wounds and fosters reconciliation among the villagers, ultimately providing a fleeting glimpse of paradise on earth.
