Babette's Feast

1987, Drama/Comedy, 1h 42m

32 Reviews 5,000+ Ratings

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critics consensus

Charming and melancholy, Babette's Feast is a timeless Scandinavian treat that explores the complex relationships between people, beliefs, and what it means to be an artist. Read critic reviews

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Babette's Feast Photos

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Movie Info

Beautiful but pious sisters Martine (Birgitte Federspiel) and Philippa (Bodil Kjer) grow to spinsterhood under the wrathful eye of their strict pastor father on the forbidding and desolate coast of Jutland, until one day, Philippa's former suitor sends a Parisian refugee named Babette (Stéphane Audran) to serve as the family cook. Babette's lavish celebratory banquet tempts the family's dwindling congregation, who abjure such fleshly pleasures as fine foods and wines.
  • Rating:
    G
  • Genre:
    Drama, Comedy
  • Original Language:
    Danish
  • Director:
    Gabriel Axel
  • Producer:
    Just Betzer, Bo Christensen, Benni Korzen
  • Writer:
    Karen Blixen
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $2.8M
  • Runtime:
  • Distributor:
    Orion Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Stéphane Audran
Babette Hersant
Jean-Philippe Lafont
Achille Papin
Jarl Kulle
Gamle Lorenz Lowenhielm
Gudmar Klöving
Lorens Loewenhielm
Bibi Andersson
Svensk hofdame
Birgitte Federspiel
Martina
Bodil Kjer
Philippa
Axel Strøbye
Kusken
Hanne Stensgaard
Filippa som ung
Vibeke Hastrup
Martine som ung
Ebbe Rode
Christopher
Holger Perfort
Karlsen
Lars Lohmann
Fisker
Tine Miehe-Renard
Generalens hustru
Ghita Nørby
Narrator
Tina Kiberg
Filippas sangstemme
Voice
Gabriel Axel
Director
Just Betzer
Producer
Bo Christensen
Producer
Benni Korzen
Producer
Per Nørgaard
Original Music
Henning Kristiansen
Cinematographer
Finn Henriksen
Film Editor
Sven Wichmann
Production Design
Tom Hedegaard
Assistant Director
Karen Blixen
Writer
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Critic Reviews for Babette's Feast

All Critics (32) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (1)

View All Critic Reviews (32)

Audience Reviews for Babette's Feast

  • Oct 15, 2013
    This sublime ode to art, gift, love and grace should be remembered for its wonderful direction and a magnificent narrative that never ceases to surprise us with what it has to offer and the unbelievable amount of depth that it holds in every detail of its apparently simple story.
    Carlos M Super Reviewer
  • Sep 16, 2010
    This film really moved me when I first saw it many years ago. I just rewatched it and I think that I enjoyed it even more this time around. On the surface it is a very simple film, but the currents that run below the surface are very deep and complex. The film is beautiful, sad, depressing, inspiring and heartwarming all at once. It is made all the more powerful by the wonderfull acting and beautifull cinematography. A true classic in every sense of the word.
    Robert C Super Reviewer
  • Jul 06, 2010
    One of the longest hour and forty minute films I've ever sat through. The movie wasn't primarily my cup of tea (ha!), but I respect certain aspects of it's storytelling ability and it's skill for fleshing its chief characters out masterfully. It's an extremely slow, and often boring movie, but its one that does have some good elements to it. Just not enough for me to say it's totally worth one's time - only if you're really into food, then this might be the movie for you, might be.
    Dan S Super Reviewer
  • Sep 21, 2009
    Something very appealing in its simplicity. Religious abstinence vs very yummy food!
    meril l Super Reviewer
See all Audience reviews

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