The French Chef (1963) Review in 2025
The French Chef is a 1963 American television film that follows the life of a French chef, Pierre Franey, as he navigates the culinary world of New York City.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for family viewing, but it may not be of great interest to younger viewers due to its slow pace and lack of action.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for cooking enthusiasts and fans of Julia Child. However, it may not be of great interest to everyone else.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film showcases Pierre's journey from a humble beginnings to becoming a renowned chef, with a focus on his signature dishes and his relationships with his colleagues and patrons.
Review Details
story4.00/10
The story is engaging, but it's a bit slow-paced and lacks excitement. The film focuses on Pierre's journey, but it could have been more dynamic.
acting4.50/10
The acting is excellent, especially Pierre Franey's performance. He brings a lot of energy and passion to the role.
characters4.50/10
The characters are well-developed, especially Pierre, who is portrayed as a passionate and dedicated chef. The supporting cast is also impressive.
direction4.00/10
The direction is good, but it could have been more creative. Julia Child's involvement is evident, but it feels a bit like a documentary at times.
cinematography3.50/10
The cinematography is decent, but it's not particularly impressive. The film's visuals are clear, but they lack depth and style.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film is well-acted, and the story is engaging. The cinematography is decent, and the direction is good.
Cons
The film is slow-paced, and the visuals lack depth and style. The story could have been more dynamic, and the direction could have been more creative.
Notable Quotes
"Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all."
"The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook."
