Director Lasse Hallström's films (The Cider House Rules, What's Eating Gilbert Grape) have usually been equally pointed, warm and sweet.

Now, make that semi-sweet with a touch of raspberry sauce for this delicious fantasy.

The battle of the bon bon begins when enigmatic and sexy chocolatiere Juliette Binoche arrives in a small, French countryside town.

Much to the dismay of its conservative mayor, Alfred Molina, she opens a sweet shop during Lent.

Judi Dench has a cameo as a hardened grandma mellowed by the sweet sensations.

Johnny Depp joins the fray as a river rat looking to do a little cooking of his own with Binoche.

Don't hit the cinema hungry before catching this delightful food-featured fable.