Babettes Gaestebud (aka Babette's Feast) (1987)

In 19th century Denmark, two elderly sisters (Bodil Kjer, Birgitte Federspiel of Dreyer's ORDET), the daughters of a now deceased but strict minister, take in a French refugee (Stephane Audran). They live in a small, barren village on the coast of Denmark and continue to do their father's religious work though his sect is dying out. On the occasion of the father's 100th birthday, Babette insists on cooking a genuine French dinner for the congregation. Based on the story by Isak Dinesen (famously portrayed by Meryl Streep in OUT OF AFRICA), writer and director Gabriel Axel has given us a poignant story on redemption, generosity, faith and food. The exquisite dinner scene where these pious villagers, for whom food is merely something necessary to survive, discover the sensual pleasure of a great meal as well as food for the soul is a treasure. Vegetarians may wince at the sight of all the chopped up animals, however. Winner of the 1987 Oscar for best foreign film. With Bibi Andersson, Lisbeth Movin (Dreyer's DAY OF WRATH), Jarl Kulle and Jean Philippe Lafont, who overacts as the opera singer.