4 out of 5 stars
Short Take: A film industry term that means something that only takes a short time.
Short Take Review: A short film review with potential discussion points
Summary: Dreams can be fulfilled in unexpected packages at different times in our lives. This is true for sous-chef Cathy Marie (Audrey Lamy), who has left behind her idyllic role at one of France’s top restaurants to pursue her own career ambitions. Yet, she faces multiple obstacles that lead her to take the chef’s position at a shelter for young migrants. Lorenzo (François Cluzet, The Intouchables) manages the facility and his advertisement for the job was less than honest. Still, he persuades the talented woman to transform the eating habits of his boarders. In the process, Cathy begins to teach some of these young men to love the gastronomic arts. She even begins to share some of her past, making her develop a unique connection with her students. Revelations from her background that will go on to change all of their lives.
Review: Director Louis-Julien Petit (The Invisibles) was inspired by actual events to write and direct this inspiring tale that involves modern immigration and the culinary arts. His story of this aspiring chef and the hopeless situation of these young migrants becomes a heart-warming narrative of hope. Petit shows how we all need one another to survive in this life by exposing the challenges of every character's situation. While the film moves along methodically for the first two acts, the final chapter seems to move in double time. Even though it is all complementary to the story’s arc, this element does seem a bit otherworldly to the rest of the screenplay. Regardless, this change in pacing does not diminish the film’s message and captivating aspects that should make this hidden gem one worth discovering.
Reel Dialogue: Mentors
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another - Proverbs 27:17
At the heart of The Kitchen Brigade is an example of mentorship. Cathy Marie eventually becomes a mentor to this brigade of young men. She learns as much about how to live as she guides them to success in the kitchen. The chef finds something in each of these migrants that leads them to become valuable to society.
And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also - 2 Timothy 2:2
Mentorship and training are seen throughout the Bible. Jesus had his disciples, but a fascinating study can be found in the coaching relationship between Paul and Timothy. The apostle wrote some of the most personal letters to his trainee. These men set a precedence for the value of an older individual investing in the life of someone younger. Like the relationships in The Kitchen Brigade, the allegiance between Paul and Timothy benefits trainees today. It does lead to the very thing that genuinely helps mankind.
Letters that show the mentoring role of Paul to Timothy: 1 & 2 Timothy
