While the thought of a German film does not always instantly conjure up the words "sweet", "lovely", or "gourmet food", this film does.
Mostly Martha, like a quality gourmet meal, is a satisfying, subtle film out of Germany. German director Sandra Nettelbeck carefully prepares this tale of how life and love rescue executive chef Martha from herself.
Martha, played by Martina Gedeck, is head chef of a classy resturant. Her cooking is excellent, yet Martha is never satisfied. Her life consists of preparing, but hardly ever eating, food. Martha seems to live solely for her job, rising in time to go to work and returning after restaurant closing in the late night hours. A classic perfectionist who borders on obsessive when it comes to food, Martha feels towards her cooking the territorial propriety any mother feels for her children. So much so that Martha has no problem leaving the kitchen to yell at customers who do not appreciate the dishes she has served.
Martha's temper causes her boss to demand that she attend counseling. However, Martha spends her hours in therapy talking about what else?....food and cooking. Martha clearly lives a life involving little attachment to other people. Martha's sister and niece seem to be the only ones she allows herself to have a relationship with, and as they live in another city, she only sees them occasionally.
Tragedy brings Martha's niece, Lina, to live with her. Martha's ultra-orderly life suddenly must expand to include a grieving eight-year-old, her own grief, and the restaruant's sudden acquisition of a new chef to help out in the kitchen. Martha never agreed to new chef in her kitchen, and is clearly unhappy about it. What is more, the new chef, Mario (played by Sergio Castellitto) is the polar opposite of Martha - he is happy, relaxed, friendly, and expansive. The whole kitchen takes an instant liking to Mario, but Martha resents his presence.
Mostly Martha's most lovely aspect is its quiet, yet beautiful view of the process of grief as displayed in the ever-shifting relationship between Martha and Lina. Two lost hearts struggle to place themselves in a life they never saw coming. Mario enters both their worlds, saving them by showing them to embrace life as it comes.
Love is subtle in this movie, and perhaps predictable. However, it is also very satisfying. The price of love is to open your heart, and thus risk pain and hurt. Mario, Lina, and Martha move towards an inevitable ending with grace, humor, and sweetness.
One of the advantages of renting movies on-line is the ability to access such a large variety of movie genres that perhaps may not be explored otherwise. The fruit of this is apparent when treasures are uncovered. Mostly Martha is one of this gems to unexpectedly pop up. This movie is simple and savory, like a good meal.
An American remake of this movie, No Reservations, will be released in July 2007. Boasting an impressive cast of Catherine Zeta-Jones, Aaron Eckhart, and Abigail Breslin in the main character roles, it is hard to believe that this remake can match the original for its charm and appeal. Carol Fuchs joins Mostly Martha's director Sandra Nettelbeck as the screenplay writers, so some of the same aspects should be preserved.
Time will tell whether the remake can live up to the original. The saddest part is, most people who see the American version will never know about the original. Mostly Martha is well worth the effort in reading its subtitles. Find Mostly Martha, and bon appetit!
