THE MISTRESS OF SPICES (2005)

Directed By: Paul Meyeda Berges 
Written By: Gurinder Chada & Paul Mayeda Berges 
Based On The Novel By: Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 
Cinematography By: Santosh Sivan 
Editor: Alexandro Rodriguez 


Cast: Aishwarya Rai, Dylan McDermott, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Caroline Chikezie, Pamda Lakshmi 

In India, Tilo has the ability of foreseeing the future. When their parents are killed by bandits, she is kidnapped but escapes and is raised by the First Mother in a sort of traditional cult of spices. She becomes the Mistress of Spices and is sent to the Spice Bazaar in San Francisco, with the mission of following three basic rules: help her clients to accomplish their desires with the spices, but never hers; never leave the store; and never be touched in the skin. When she meets the handsome American architect Doug, she feels a great attraction and desire for him, breaking the first rule and being punished by the spices.



A rather common and toothless romantic film, that goes for a more sensuous and romantic vibe rather than a full romantic comedy.

The film May have been a TV movie from Canada judging by the production values. It is rather tame In These times. Which I guess it was going for a classic more chaste image. It is still predictable. It is still cute with nothing really objectionable.

Ashyana Rai Bachchan, who is one of the world's most beautiful women in the world. Especially when it comes to screen actresses plays Tilo the lead role. this would seem to be a continuation of her stardom After being a superstar in Bollywood films and making a splash in the English language U.K. Film BRIDE AND PREJUDICE. She supposedly turned down a leading role in the Will Smith film SEVEN POUNDS. She never seems to really build on that momentum. Now while that film was disappointing it was still more interesting and invested than this film. Which feels like it is painted by numbers.

She seemed pegged to be the next international superstar, big thing in cinema, but her career seemed to just hit a stall as far as American films go and appearing in films such as this is not doing her any favors, other than leaving her with a basic lead role with no flavor despite the title. In a film that seemed like it needed an exotic lead female role.

Dylan McDermott is the male lead and he is serviceable here. Even if as usual he comes off more smarty than he should. Though they seems to be a common problem in some of his roles.

The fact that the film focuses on the middle eastern community. It's culture and it's Changes in modern times is likeable. But the big obstacle that keeps the two Leads apart and away from romance feels false, almost lie a non starter that you can't help but shake your head at how stupid it feels. As if it is really just an excuse for the fear that Rai's character feels in taking a chance in someone for love.

There is nothing actually wrong with the film. It isn't boring, it just feels of poor quality. Like no passion went into it. It feels more like a product than a story. As it comes off very bland.


Grade: C-