Peace By Chocolate Movie Review

“Peace by Chocolate” is scripted and directed by Jonathan Keijser and co-scripted by Abdul Malik. The film is produced by Jonathan Keijser, Catherine Leger, and Martin Paul-Hus. Benoit Beaulieu handled the camera. Hateem Ali, Ayham Abou Ammar, and Yara Sabri are seen in pivotal roles.

Plot

After the unfortunate bombardment of his family’s chocolate factory during the Syrian Civil War, Tareq Hadhad, a young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle in the small town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Moving to a new country, their family must focus on survival. They take a familiar and safe path – rebuilding his father Issam’s chocolate business. What seemed like a poor attempt to cling to the nostalgia in their past life became an overnight sensation. Tareq is still determined to become a doctor. Being pivotal in a growing business, he must choose between his duty to his family and his dream in medicine. Adversity arises between a potential rival, a chocolatier, and Tareq’s sister’s abandonment in Syria. As father and son struggle to find common ground, complexities grow, threatening to tear the family apart.

Analysis

The film is based on an internationally recognized true story. The film overflows with hope, kindness, and neighborliness. It underlines the idea that although refugees are immensely grateful for their new home country, their decision to leave was not of choice, but of survival. Though the film has its charm and feel-good story, the plot is relatively slow-moving. The direction and cinematography are praiseworthy.

Star Performance

Hateem Ali’s and Ammar’s portrayals of their respective characters compelled the audience the most.

What’s There?

• Inspiring, heartfelt, true story
• The performance of the cast and direction is amazing

What’s Not There?

• The plot is slow-moving
• The actual horrors of the Syrian war were not quite showed

Verdict

The film is based on a tragic true story. It showcases the plight of refugees, the collateral damage admist political unrest. Hatim Ali’s portrayal of the patriarch and rebuilding lives in a distant but welcoming new home is impressive. A feel-good, compelling, yet empathetic film.