Peace by Chocolate

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2:34

Peace by Chocolate

2022

1h 36m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

70%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

After the bombing of his family's chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Despite moving to a new country, he's intent on pursuing his dream to become a doctor. But when his father, Issam, insists that he must focus on survival, Tareq and his family move towards a different, but familiar path: Rebuilding Issam's chocolate business. When what seemed like a nostalgic attempt to cling onto remnants of an old life past becomes an overnight sensation, Tareq is shocked. Put in the role of business manager, he must choose between the demands of an exponentially growing business and an offer to go back to medical school. New challenges arise between a rival chocolatier while the heartbreak of Tareq's sister left behind in Syria weighs heavily on the family. Nevertheless, Tareq remains set on his goals, buoyed by a supportive community of eclectics. As father and son both struggle to find common ground and navigate the complexities of family duty, the heightening tension between them threatens to tear the family apart. Based on the internationally recognized true story.

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Amil Niazi

Globe and Mail

May 5, 2022

Although the film has a lot of charm and heartfelt, charismatic performances by Camacho and Ali (in one of his last roles), it’s not quite enough to overcome the slow-moving plot.

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Ruth Maramis

FlixChatter Film Blog

Sep 5, 2023

3/5

A bittersweet human story that deserves to be told. Overall it's enjoyable, though I think the immigrant tale could’ve been explored a bit deeper.

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Luke Y. Thompson

CineGods.com

Jun 17, 2022

No doubt it’s glossing things over a bit for the sake of a good story, but there’s definitely a sense of national pride and not-undeserved one-upmanship at play here.

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Lisa Johnson Mandell

AtHomeInHollywood.com

Jun 14, 2022

As expected, comedy comes from the fish-out-water situations and the language barrier—but it’s never disrespectful or stereotypical.

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Wade Major

FilmWeek (LAist)

May 10, 2022

It can't get the tonality right, and it winds up just feeling formulaic and melodramatic.

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Rachel Ho

Exclaim!

May 6, 2022

7/10

Probably the best thing that the movie does is contend with the idea that, although refugees are immensely grateful to their new home country, their decision to leave was not one of choice but of survival.

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AL

May 1, 2022

Title better than movie

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Tom W

@TexOracle Jul 10, 2026

Slow, boring. They missed oppty for charming film. Many lead characters unlikable. Son wants to be doctor, nearly completed med school, dad insists he give up his dream. Sister refuses to help father with chocolate venture, insists being a mom is her only contribution while grandma keeps house for all. Portrayal of border patrol when he travels across USA border without documents (?!?) is abominable. I bet anyone $1k dollars BP officers are politely doing their job. They took a film that could have been charming, instead showed family of immigrants who did not want to assimilate, learn language, learn anything about their new country (Canada), just act like they’re still in Syria. Film portrayed Trudeau as hero, USA derogatorily, preaching woke sentiments about immigration. Here’s the rub, again missing charm while alienating audience… the story was about refugees who immigrated legally, nobody has a problem with legal immigration! Why go woke and alienate/offend half of audience?

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J P

@RT34027142 Dec 14, 2024

Truly enjoyed this movie. Many Syrian families came to Canada and many settled in small towns including my town. The family here worked hard and also, opened their own business. Our town welcomed them and they in turn gave back to the community. Give peace a chance.

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Rhonda F

@RT35841834 Sep 9, 2023

I loved this movie! As was said, it is heartwarming and charming but not glossing over ( much) the casualty of war and what it feels like to be lost in an alien country. I so applaud this true story of resilience, inspiration and success by people who refuse to give up and are determined to create anew!

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Sal D

@JustTheLaw Aug 28, 2023

Sweet and sentimental with a healthy dose of chocolate filling. A beautiful story about a family of refugees that is timely and without boundaries.

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Andre G

@RT43547453 Aug 12, 2023

Great story that could have been a great movie if it wasn't for the many flaws.

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Jonathan Keijser

Director

Hatem Ali

Issam

Ayham Abou Ammar

Tareq

Yara Sabri

Shahnaz

Mark Camacho

Frank

Najlaa Al Khamri

Alaa

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Peace by Chocolate: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

After the bombing of his family's chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Despite moving to a new country, he's intent on pursuing his dream to become a doctor. But when his father, Issam, insists that he must focus on survival, Tareq and his family move towards a different, but familiar path: Rebuilding Issam's chocolate business. When what seemed like a nostalgic attempt to cling onto remnants of an old life past becomes an overnight sensation, Tareq is shocked. Put in the role of business manager, he must choose between the demands of an exponentially growing business and an offer to go back to medical school. New challenges arise between a rival chocolatier while the heartbreak of Tareq's sister left behind in Syria weighs heavily on the family. Nevertheless, Tareq remains set on his goals, buoyed by a supportive community of eclectics. As father and son both struggle to find common ground and navigate the complexities of family duty, the heightening tension between them threatens to tear the family apart. Based on the internationally recognized true story.

Director: Jonathan Keijser
Producer: Jonathan Keijser, Catherine Léger, Martin Paul-Hus, Kathy Wolf
Screenwriter: Jonathan Keijser, Abdul Malik
Distributor: Level 33 Entertainment
Production Co: Téléfilm Canada, Dali Entertainment, Magnetic North Pictures
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 29, 2022, Limited
Runtime: 1h 36m

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