The Food Guide to Love

Just saw it at the Dublin Film Festival and, to be honest, wasn't very impressed. It was shown in the Irish category so I thought it would be one of those Irish films that are usually low-budget but personal, fresh and original. This one was none of that. It would be more in line with Hugh Grant's romcoms. I mean it's nice to watch with your missus, plenty of jokes thrown in, but it's more "one of those films" than "must not miss". I am not sure if it qualifies for a "Dublin film" either. You need to be Irish or at least someone with deep love for Dublin to make a truly "Dublin film". Here, the director/writers are not Irish and hardly been to Ireland before the film. They were just told (according to Q&A session) that Ireland is a cheaper place to film in, so they hired an Irish writer, changed the background to Dublin, and voilà - got an Irish film. Kind of cynical. So it's more "filmed in Dublin". Although the location crew did make a decent job of trying to avoid the usual clichés. So at least, you'll get some nice shots of the modern Dublin.

Oliver (Richard Coyle) in The Food Guide to Love is the ultimate foodie and food writer. As a kid, while others were cheering on their sports team, he was enjoying the tapas and fine cuisine at the snack table. He becomes a run away success in the way he describes the sensual aspect of food but has had a hard time translating that erotic magnetism into his relationships. After 6 months they burn out and he moves on to his next course. All is well until he comes across a hot fire Spanaird in Bibiana. She is an activist with a father's complex that sees through Oliver's frivolous ways. A foreign film that celebrates the joys of life and teaches us that along the way we much enjoy the banquet of life's joys. I believe this is a great film for anyone that wants to watch a good story.