Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-17 00:49:21

Mistress of Spices

This review is from: The Mistress of Spices (DVD) Aishwarya Rai is absolutely beautiful and Dylan McDermott is handsome but the music score in the background was so loud, you could barely make out what the actors were saying most of the time. Alas, there are no subtitles on this DVD.

2012-05-16 12:53:48

Magic, Love & Romance

I enjoyed reading the book, Mistress of Spices and also enjoyed the movie as well! Aishwarya Rai does a wonderful job of acting as usual and nails the character of Tilo perfectly.I liked the idea of mystery, humility & humbleness of Tilo's character... Her purpose in life is to use her knowledge of the spices to help benefit the needs of those whom need her most. Tilo's life seems to be one of self service and self sacrifice for she is to never use the spices for her own benefit, dreams, and desires. She is to never leave the shop that holds her spices, nor touch another human being ever.Tilo seems content with her life as Mistress of Spices and helping others achieve their needs and desires.... That is until she meets Doug, an architect (a lost soul if you), and feels instantly attracted to him and vice versa. Tilo knows she must not fall in love with him and does almost everything to dissuade him from falling in love for him.The spices become angered with Tilo's desire to be with Doug and Tilo has consequences to pay for angering the spices. Does Tilo forsake the spices to be with Doug or does she forsake him for the spices? Or can she find room in her life for both "Love" and the "Spices"? Watch the movie and see!

covduo2 2012-05-05 15:43:55

How could this film ever be compared to Chocolat?

Maybe I don't know enough about how spices are revered in Indianculture, I felt it did not make me that interested in the spice thing -except that I love Indian cooking! However, after watching Chocolat, Iwanted to know a lot more about the Mayan heritage of chocolate andabout the folklore behind the 'magic' - the film just inspired thatromantic imagery and magic feeling about both Vianne and the chocolate.This film did not inspire very much and I think, considering thepremise, could have done a lot more! I don't think Dylan McDermott wasthe right guy because it was never convincing that she was THATinterested in him to break any rules. I wouldn't have broken any rulesfor him! :) He just wasn't very charming and the part about hisso-called Native American history was almost gratuitous and veryunconvincing.Uninspiring and unconvincing...that's how I summarise this film. Niceidea though, just got in the wrong hands for carrying it out, I think.

2012-05-05 12:46:59

Charming tale of love & magic

This review is from: The Mistress of Spices (DVD) Came across this by sheer accident and I'm very grateful for it. "Mistress of Spices" is a nice cross between "Bell, Book, & Candle" and "Like Water for Chocolate", with a dash of "Practical Magic". The rules are the same the Heroine maintains her powers and influence over the lives of others though selflessness and the manipulation of food stuffs. However to fall in love will result in negative consequences.Arguably the main character of the movie is the Spice Bazaar itself. The set is lush in color and design, it is so remarkable that while watching the movie you might feel as though you are standing right in the middle of it and will begin to imagine the scent of all the combined spices. Aishwarya Rai's natural radiance gives Tilo a gentle warmth that conveys a concern for others with very little effort and it's nice to see Dylan McDermott return to playing a handsome romantic lead who combines sensuality with respect. The two leads are charming, classy and beautiful, the story is stimulating and dreamy in quality compared to so many other romance movies which leave nothing to the imagination.For a soothing and vibrant viewing experince, a bit of romance, and a touch of class with a satisfying ending. This movie is highly recommended - especially for repeat viewings, the Spice Bazaar is a pleasant place to visit.

2012-05-05 09:48:42

"Everyone Has A Spice" ~ An Intoxicating Fragrance To Be Absorbed As Much As Viewed

Note: Requires a multi-region DVD player to be viewed in the America's.The rather obscure '05 release 'The Mistress of Spices' is a wonderfully engaging romance filled with magic and Hindu mysticism that caught my full attention from the beginning and carried me transfixed to the end. Aishwarya Rai and Dylan McDermott make an endearing couple trying to not only bridge the cultural gap between the two but also overcome the mystical connection between the beautiful Tilo (Aishwarya) and the exotic spices that fill her shop. The key to the success or failure of this film is Aisharya's ability to make her spice store appear a magical space where she communicates with the fragrant essences surrounding her and exude a mystical essence about herself and her sacred duty as Spice Mistress. She does a magnificent job at both. A rare treat awaits the unsuspecting viewer, I can't wait to watch it again!

jnal 2012-05-04 11:51:08

An Indian criticizing Mexicans in this movie? Unreal!!

I just have to write about a scene I just saw in this movie where theold Indian guy is talking trash about Mexicans when the pretty girlmentions shes dating a Chicano. OMG! are you kidding me? an Indiantalking BS about Mexicans saying that there "slum criminals who areillegal"? This country amazes me more and more and I've heard it allwhen an Indian talks trash about Mexicans.. haha. That Indian guy or asa matter a fact, the pig scriptwriter who decided to put thatdisgusting comment into the script, I think need a serious realitycheck! I think first that person needs to realize that if you're anIndian from the middle east in this country, you should know better tosay something like that and get away with it.. when I promise you haveequally been discriminated or will face worse discrimination. You needa mirror to see that you're just as brown as Mexicans and what givesyou the audacity and nerve to belittle and speak that garbage! I thinkyou need to go back in time a little .. say to 9/11 and see how youwill get a serious beat down from racist white Americans or skin headswho will call you a terrorist piece of Sh^%$t and beat you to a bloodypulp for stereo typing you as the people responsible for 911. So thenext time some Indian tries to make a comment like that towardsMexicans, I think you need a serious reality pill! Disgusting commentin the movie and I don't give a rats fat ass to see the rest of it.Good job director!

vbacerott 2012-04-29 02:11:31

Totally boring and cheesy. Very lame

OK she talks to the spices like they control her life its soo lame and u just wait for it to get better but it never does. My boyfriend and I just to entertain ourselves made fun of the movie while watching it the whole time!

PeariS 2012-04-28 15:03:53

Read the book first!

This is not your usual indian movie, it is based on a novel! If you have not read the book then you will be disappointed by the movie. I recommand renting it although I enjoyed it since I had previously read the book. The movie provided a good visual to the events in the book. The direction of some scenes is great. RENT IT!

2012-04-26 23:56:26

Gorgeous movie,but...

Based on Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni's novel of the same name, this movie centers around Tilo, keeper of a spice store and a practitioner of an ancient tradition, whereby the 'mistress of spices" has to take vows to stay faithful to her craft. She can only use the spices to help others, avoid physical contact with others, and also never leave the confines of her spice store.Tilo, played by the luminously beautiful Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai, shines in this movie. Her Tilo is heartbreaking to watch in her desire to stay committed to her vows, yet conflicted over her attraction to Dylan McDermott's character.The supporting roles are all well-cast, from the Kashmiri cab driver, to Anupam Kher's disgruntled grandfather [to Padma Lakhshmi's liberal-minded young Indian woman]. My only grouse is that these characters could have done with further development.The cinematography is sumptuous...the spice store is so beautiful and assails one's visual senses, and almost makes you able to smell the spices themselves. It is very reminiscent of other food-themed movies like Chocolat & Like Water for Chocolate.But, the major letdown to me was the lack of chemistry between the two leads...we are supposed to believe that Aishwarya's Tilo falls fast and hard for Dylan McDermott's character, and vice versa, thus jeopardising her role as spice mistress, BUT there is an unconvincing lack of chemistry between them, a pity given both the stars' visual appeal, not to mention acting talents.On the whole though, it is a worthwhile addition to the genre, and worth a viewing for its overwhelming visual beauty, and Rai's acting.

Cruiz Dwyer 2012-04-26 15:15:11

A fairytale with not enough spice...

Paul Mayeda Berges, known for his collaboration with his wife, GurinderChadha, on the films: Bend it like Beckham, and Bride and Prejudice,takes a role in the director's chair, in the book-to-movie adaptation:Mistress of Spices.Raised as a mistress of the spice at a young age, Tilo, moves to SanFrancisco, and opens an Indian Spices store. Having a second sight, andso being able to see into other people's lives, Tilo is able to use herpower of the spice, to help others. However, there are some downsidesto her powers. She is never allowed to leave her store, use her powersfor her personal endeavor, and most importantly, never to touch theskin of another. One day, she encounters the handsome Doug and beginsbreaking the rules. In turn for her disobedience, the Spice beginswrecking havoc with her powers.Mistress of Spices has a bizarre story to tell, but it is at heart, afairytale of sorts. It is also straight-forward, and not all that deepwith emotion, yet it's beautiful too gaze upon. The numerous shot ofthe spices are spectacular, but this isn't enough to help Mistress ofSpices raise its par to become anything exceptional.Noticeable to all, is Dylan McDermott, who acts well as Doug, a man whohas everything, but is yearning for something deeper then his ownmaterialism. However, McDermott is easily out acted by his counterpartAishwarya Rai. Rai seemingly appears to vent her feelings, but this isexactly the character of Tilo: she has to let the Spices dictate herlife, and not her true emotions.With good cinematography and fairly decent acting, Mistress of Spiceshas the basics covered. However, while a wonderfully conceived romance,Mistress of Spices lacks the passion required to truly engage theviewers with the love-struck characters.

marsjones 2012-04-24 22:30:03

The devil is in the details

Saw all the reviews. This movie is a great exposition of Indianculture. Like the complaints about lack of chemistry. No way was Raigoing to smooch with that mellecha. It was actually rich, full and deepfor those with an interest and understanding of things Indian. Andseeing Rai was great. McDermott always seemed like he needed a bath andknew it. You just couldn't grade it the same way as a Hollywoodproduction. It was earthy and sloppy and colorful and confused,complicated, beautiful and revolting just like India. Where else canyou get a lot of spice knowledge, see Aishwarya Rai close up and a niceeggplant recipe all in the same movie.

Alan 2012-04-24 04:50:08

Pathetic !!! dont waste ure money

Why do u wanna watch this unspicy movie....You better cook something spicy....This is so bland ....i dont know what it tries to address.I could not even sleep through this movie.....just had me crib like a barking dog by the time i was coming ....out

PRAVEENA 2012-04-22 08:46:02

aishwrya rai is a no 1

the movie is very nice the people who talk that this movie is not nice there are really stupid **************i love this movie***********

2012-04-21 12:47:14

A charming fairy tale

This tasty little treat combines a handful of flavors: the foreign tang of Indian culture transplanted to the US, a sweet romance, a little of the bitterness when generations clash, and a pervasive zest that binds it all together. It doesn't hurt that Tilo, on whom the story centers, is knock-your-socks-off gorgeous.What makes this a fairy tale, for me, is the edge of enchantment that pervades the story. Like a princess in a bewitched castle, Tilo's magic holds her captive in her little store and apartment. She has a wonderful power, but the spell will come undone if she tries to escape her captivity - or her loneliness. And, of course, a Prince Charming appears on the scene, with a charm of his own that's equal parts promise and threat.I won't give away the ending, but it's much more satisfying than I would have guessed. It also shows how expressive an Indian sari can be, as stiff and formal as a three-piece suit, or as soft and evanscent as a kiss. You might want to watch this with a cup of tea and some fuzzy slippers - or you might want to obey the pepper.-- wiredweird

2012-04-20 15:30:33

"Are you ready to give up your own lives forever...for the spices?"

This review is from: The Mistress of Spices (DVD) Coincidentally enough, Tilo is named for the sesame seed, the spice of nourishment. From an early age, Tilo has been special, being gifted with second sight, although that wasn't enough to prevent a fatal tragedy from befalling her family. Tilo ends up in the care of an ancient Indian woman who instructs her and other young female students in the mystical ways of the spices. Tilo proves to be an apt pupil. When a girl is ready, she is dispatched to wherever she is most needed in the world. In Tilo's case, it's San Francisco. She sets up her Spice Bazaar shop in the Bay area and begins to dispense her spices to her patrons. Her rapport with the spices enables her to determine her customer's deepest needs and, thus, she is able to administer the proper potion and remedy (holy basil for memory, cinnamon for making friends, black cumin seeds for warding off the evil eye, etc.). Her magical powers, though, come at a price as she must abide by three rules: she can never use the spices for own desires; she cannot leave the store; and she cannot touch anyone. As her teacher had sternly warned, "If a mistress fails her duty, the spices will punish her." So Tilo lives in quiet solitude even as she ably and selflessly serves her clientele. Until, that is, a handsome architect has a motorcycle accident in front of her shop... The gorgeous Aishwarya Rai is a global star and is a phenomenon in her native India, but she isn't as well known here in the States. THE MISTRESS OF SPICES re-introduces her to the Western audience as she makes another bid to cross over, although, make no mistake, her allegiance is firmly to Indian cinema. But, yes, it's nice to stretch. She did really well with the well-received BRIDE AND PREJUDICE. She's also got the forthcoming THE LAST LEGION, which co-stars Colin Firth (crossing my fingers for that one). But, back to THE MISTRESS OF SPICES...There's something so very sensuous about a girl indulging in tactile contact with her exotic spices. And when it's Aishwarya running her fingers thru a heap of sesame seeds, well, the hotness factor elevates by quite a bit. The photography work treats us to a delectable sight of herbs and spices (not to mention Aish herself) awash in glorious, lush colors. THE MISTRESS OF SPICES is lovely to look at. But here's the thing, I expected more from the film and more from Aishwarya. And, yes, maybe it's because I've seen the sublime Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series) and the sumptuous Like Water for Chocolate, both of which also indulge in magical realism, so comparisons are inevitable. Like those two films, this one also falls into the same sub-genre in that it links foods with sensory delights (I mean, holy smokes, check out an artistically semi-nude Aishwarya lolling about on a bed of chile.). But, of the three films, this one, unfortunately, is the least.Aishwarya is luminous, but her performance is bogged down with an excess of exposition. Her character provides the film voice-over and she also has a tendency to talk to her spices, of whom only the chiles seem to be responsive (think of the chiles as her disapproving uncle). While I believe Aish's acting is solid enough, she isn't given nearly enough to do. Meanwhile, Dylan McDermott is just plain inadequate as a leading man and has zero chemistry with Aishwarya. I found his character's backstory to be truly boring. Also, after a while, claustrophobia sets in as most of the scenes insist on taking place within her tiny shop. The film does invest some needed screen time on Tilo's customers, which include Haroun the cabbie and the tradition-minded grandfather, both of whom are likable. So, yeah, that was good. I consider Aish to be the most beautiful woman in the world. If cast in the right role and with the proper director, she has the acting talent to shine (Want proof? See Devdas (2 Disc Set), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Raincoat). Unfortunately, her career's been undermined by several less than stellar feature films, and this one is well on its way to being placed in that category. THE MISTRESS OF SPICES is brought to you by the same folks who collaborated on Bend It Like Beckham (Widescreen Edition) and Bride and Prejudice, which are excellent. So what happened? Well, another flaw here is that one of the collaborators, screen writer Paul Mayeda Berges, chooses this film to make his directing debut. I can't help but think that MISTRESS... would've greatly benefited if Berges's wife, the higher profiled Gurinder Chadha, had instead been at the helm. At 95 minutes long, there's a dichotomy here in that this shorter film seems to actually be longer in length than her normal two-and-a-half hour long Bollywood ventures. Most of the plodding film constitutes Tilo tiringly moping and pleading with her spices. Ultimately, there's just something lifeless and decidedly lacking here, a missing ingredient. I dunno, maybe an energetic Bollywood musical number should've been thrown in to spice things up. So, a disappointed two and half stars for this one.By the way, the special features aren't so special, having only a paltry three and a half minute long "Making Of" segment and a movie trailer.

2012-04-19 17:40:07

Awesome Movie

This review is from: The Mistress of Spices (DVD) Spices come to life in a new way. Watch to learn the secrets of the spices. Love the very vibrant colors in the movie.

alan-culpitt 2012-04-18 21:48:39

A good story and a feast for the eyes

What to say of this film? Well first the good bits. The story is anengaging fairy tale shot through with the kind of messy but engaginghumanity that only India and Indians can bring. A sensuous feast forthe eyes (I enjoyed the film whilst downing a bottle of wine with myother half) there are some gorgeous shots with piles of spices andherbs you can almost smell on the screen. Zhora Sehgal is always greatand pops up in all sorts of films as "miscellaneous old Indian lady"and Aishwariya Rai is quite astonishinglyloose-the-thread-of-what-you-were-talking-about beautiful.On the other hand Dylan McDermott is awful, utterly wooden andunconvincing as the architect-biker. Check out one shot where he looksutterly ridiculous with his crash helmet on. The ending's a bit of adisappointment too.All in all worth getting out on video and sitting back and revelling inthe sensuous side of the film

kingdio 2012-04-18 11:01:21

The only thing worse than the preceding minute is the one that follows it.

This is such a boring movie. Rai is basically imprisoned in the spiceshop talking to spices in her head. All the exposition is eitherconfusing flashbacks, or endless narrative from Rai. Must be extremelycheap to make a movie when all you have is one actor on one setendlessly narrating the story in her head. The most annoying part isprobably some drummy Indian beat that plays endlessly every timeMcDermontt's character is around in combination with a close up chilipeppers. It's the spices talking to Rai's character warning her he'strouble. Apparently the spices are some form of deities that controlthe fate of Rai's character. If she breaks the rules things happen.Horrible, horrible movie that only gets worse if you make it to theending.

tmfitz 2012-04-09 19:43:00

Young girl from India is taken into a spice "coven" where she learns the mysteries and magic of spices.

Sorry to say I found this movie pretty grim.I did find Ashwarya Rai tobe quite luminous and lovely.Her performance seemed pretty nuanced butsomewhat one dimensional.The story is confusing and hard to describe.Itis like a lenghty advertisement for both Ashwarya andspices/aromatics/mystical healing properties of various substances.Mindyou the rattling chilies wore thin on me! I went with 2 of my sons whoare major film going people and when asked to describe the plotline,simply could't.It is long- and feels long.Dylan McDermott is easyon the eyes- he uses all the usual tricks to allure-unshaven,motorcycle,architect....but there is essentially no chemistrybetween him and Ashwarya Rai. I was very disappointed in this film.Iunfortunately could't recommend going to it.A rental on a dark gloomyNovember night might be OK- warm colors,good cinematography etc.

2012-04-09 15:45:03

Mistress of the Spiceless

This review is from: The Mistress of Spices (DVD) This movie had the potential to be good but failed on so many levels that I want my two hours back. I watched and loved Bride and Prejudice and thought this movie would be along the same lines. It was compared to Bell, Book and Candle, the only similarity was her talking to the spices instead of a cat. Watch the original it is a joy to watch. The acting in this film is dull, the script is mindless and what's with the red chili peppers? The only redeeming thing in this film is the beauty of the spice shop and Aishwarya Rai. Give me the joy of Bollywood that leaves me wanting to dance.