La magia del chocolate

I was somewhat familiar with the story from news reports and was interested in seeing it, but skeptical of the quality as Canadian movies tend to be somewhat cringe-worthy.

It was an all-round pleasant movie with a heart-warming tale of strangers in a strange (and cold) land. The end (not a spoiler, as one expects it from movies based on true events) was very nice, showing footage of the real people involved.

I totally recommend this film.

Entertaining movie that hits the right notes. Well worth the time to invest. Creates sympathy for the family and the good that exists in people.

But the behaviors were often absurd.

Son gets invited to speak by the Governor of Vermont but son, who is almost finished with medical school, doesn't know he needs a valid passport and visa to travel to the US? Didn't Syria have borders and rules?

Father is aware of need for permits for his factory, yet needs to be schooled by son that in Canada bribes won't solve permit issues?

And the fact that the towns existing chocolatier is concerned about new competition is portrayed as xenophobia?

I'm sure the real story is complex and heart warming but these absurdities detract from the film version.

This movie... It doesn't only makes my day because I'm a Syrian and loved the way these people accomplished something and gave me hope and a smile. It's also that Syrian soul it has, working tirelessly for your dreams but also being their for your family.

RIP Hatem Ali, you will be missed.

The filmmakers did a very god job of translating this true story, of immigrants coming to a small Nova Scotian town, into an interesting drama and not a documentary. The acting is good. The situations are true to both the Syrian culture and the Maritime culture. If only they had learned to say Antigonish. Each time it was mispronounced our Dartmouth audience winced. My exit poll of about 10 people rated the show: 7, 7.5, seven 8s, and one 8.5. I give this movie a 7.9 (very good) out of 10. {Drama}

Absolutely beautiful way to tell such a compelling and heart warming story. It's quite literally what the Canadian dream is. Acting was amazing and production/photography were so well done. 10/10 would/will watch again.