As we head into the coolness of autumn, it’s time to snuggle up and rewatch some of our old cinema favourites. Back in the ’90s, when we first started going to the Auckland International Film Festival, there was a string of films centred around the rituals and culture of food. From austere coastal villages in Denmark to high society in New York across the North Atlantic. Hungry - excuse the pun - for knowledge of how other people lived in different time periods and stories woven around food culture we couldn’t get enough of cinema with a bite.
Food in film is often the ultimate scene-stealer, whether it’s the opening scenes of a formal dinner in Age of Innocence or the chaos of a Saturday evening service in Big Night.
Beyond making our stomachs growl, food introduces us to new cultures, reveals quirks about characters, and brings a rich, delicious texture to the story. Sometimes it’s the quiet hero, sometimes it’s pure drama—but it always serves up more than you expect and can influence how we prepare and dine long after the credits role.
Babettes Feast
Set in a sparse and isolated village on the coast of Denmark, food is more than just nourishment in this art-house film: it’s a symbol of generosity, passion, and transformation.
The film’s food highlights are centered around a lavish French dinner prepared by Babette, a talented chef who seeks to bring joy and beauty through her cooking in a small Danish village.
Each dish is a work of art, carefully crafted to convey emotion and storytelling. The joy of food in this film isn’t just in the taste. It’s in how it transforms the characters, opening their hearts and minds, and showing the power of a truly exquisite meal to change lives. A feast for the soul.
Directed by Gabriel Axel
Written by Karen Blixen
(1987)
Age of Innocence
In this Martin Scorsese cinematic feast, food plays a subtle yet significant role, serving as a reflection of the opulent, rigid society in which the characters live, and often highlighting the emotional restraint and tensions between each character.
The film, set in 1870s New York, follows Newland Archer’s - played by Daniel Day-Lewis - inner conflict as he navigates between duty and passion, especially in his relationships with the women in his life, fiancée May Welland - Winona Ryder - and the mysterious and truly scandalous Countess Ellen Olenska - Michelle Pheiffer.
Food is often a symbol of social status and the characters' emotional restraint. One of the most memorable food moments is a lavish dinner scene, where delicate dishes like fine oysters and rich desserts reflect the lavish, controlled world of the upper class.
The luxurious, restrained meals contrast sharply with the emotional hunger Newland feels, creating a poignant contrast between the world of privilege and the yearning for something more real and fulfilling.
Directed by Martin Scorsese
Written by Edith Wharton, Jay Cocks, Martin Scorsese
(1993)
Big Night
Food isn’t just a theme in this film—it’s the heart of the story, driving the emotional journey of the characters.
The film revolves around two Italian immigrant brothers, Primo and Secondo, who run a struggling restaurant in New Jersey. Primo - played by Tony Shalhoub - is a passionate chef, dedicated to authentic Italian cuisine, while Secondo - Stanley Tucci - is the more pragmatic businessman trying to keep the restaurant afloat.
The food highlights in Big Night are spectacular, reflecting the brothers’ dedication to their craft. One of the most iconic moments is the big night feast—a meticulously prepared multi-course meal that includes dishes like risotto, lobster, and a beautifully roasted Timpano. Each dish is presented as a work of art, showcasing Primo’s culinary genius and the deep connection to the families heritage.
The feast may not save the restaurant, but it symbolises the brothers’ love for each other, their culture, and the craft of cooking.
Directed by Campbell Scott & Stanley Tucci
Written by Stanley Tucci & Joseph Tropiano
(1996)
Like Water for Chocolate
In Like Water for Chocolate, food is both a central theme and a powerful symbol, representing love, passion, and the deep connections between family, culture, and personal identity. The film, based on Laura Esquivel’s novel, intertwines magical realism with the everyday life of Tita, a young woman bound by tradition and family expectations, particularly around food.
The food highlights in the film are enchanting and emotional, often reflecting the characters’ inner states and desires. One of the most iconic moments is the preparation of the traditional Mexican dish chile en nogada, which Tita makes with love and devotion. As she cooks, her emotions seep into the food, creating powerful effects: when Tita is heartbroken, the meal causes those who eat it to feel overwhelming sadness and longing, and when she is filled with love, the food brings joy and passion to those who partake.
Food is not just nourishment, but an emotional language that connects the characters to their culture, their passions, and each other. The vibrant, often magical qualities of food in the film convey the intense emotions that words cannot express, making each meal a symbol of love, loss, and the strength of personal freedom.
Directed by Alfonso Arau
Written by Laura Esquivel
(1992)