21 Jump Street Page - Johnny Depp - Article 4 - 'Chocolat' Vying for the Oscars

Award - Winning thespians topbill "Chocolat." Juliette Bonoche, Oscar's Best Actress awardee for her role in "English Patient," leads the cast of this comic fable about how the liberating powers of the senses can release a town from a very rigid and structured life to one that is punctuated by outburst of emotion.

In Chocolat, Binoche plays Vianne Rocher, a single mother and a free- spirited wanderer. With her daughter in tow, her travels take them to Lansquenet, a tranquil, laid back and humorless little French town, ruled by a certain Conte de Raynaud played by Alfred Molina ("Raider's of the Lost Ark," "Mongolia") , Vianne opens a chocolate shop overflowing with delectable concoctions, which became catalyst for change in Lansquenet. What ensues is a confrontation between those who just recently discovered their passions and desires in life and those who wish to suppress it.

Binoche is joined by Judi Dench, Oscar's Best Supporting Actress for her role as Queen Elizabeth in "Shakespeare In Love. " Dench plays Armande, an eccentric, elder, town figure with a crabby sense of Independence but coupled with a good sense of humor. She is first to accept Vianne a reflection of her old self. She has an estranged relationship with her daughter Caroline, played by Carrie-Anne Moss ("Matrix").

Lasse Hallstrom whose direction for "The Cider House Rules" as nominated in the Oscars, directs this compelling humane story of unusual characters and situations, a touch for which is known. Prior to "The Cider House Rules," he wrote and directed "My Life As A Dog," a film about the adventures of a resilient 12 year old boy in an unconventional country village. Next he directed "Once Around" with Holly Hunter as a repressed Boston woman who finds love with an obnoxious millionaire played by Richard Dreyfuss. In 1993, he directed "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" where Leo DiCapriom as the autistic yoounger brother of Johnny Depp, was nominated in the Oscars for Best Supportiing Actor. Hallstrom and Depp are reunited in "Chocolat" with the latter portraying Roux, a gypsy traveler who like Vianne blew in town in her life rather unexpectedly.

"Chocolat" has received scores of nominations from different award-giving bodies includeing 5 in the Ocsars fro Best Picture, Best Actress in a Lead Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Original Score, and Best Writing Screenplay based on material previously produced or published.

"Chocolat" is a Sky Films release in the Philippines and will be shown in theaters this March.