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The Cook, Cook The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover
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Reviews & Ratings
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Hodnett
09-08-2025Cook-Thief-Wife and Her Lover, is an interesting movie, though not for the faint hearted, not a first date movie unless you both like this genre of movies. I did like it but more in retrospect that when I was watching it. I like movies that spur long debate with wife when they are over and this movie consumed about two hours of debate, including rewinding to check scenes to settle differences of opinions about something or other. The movie has a great cast and Helen Mirren is awesome and even more special considering the movie was released many years ago. Michael Gambon is superb as the nasty cockney gangster, he plays a vile character so well, he puts Michael Cain and Bob Hoskins (The Long Good Friday) to shame playing the character Albert in this movie. This is not a good movie for a planned romantic evening in fact is it a romantic mood killer for both parties, despite the teasing title of the movie. No worries, we knew what we were getting into before we watched it having read several reviews beforehand - thank goodness, otherwise it would have spoiled the evening if romantic movie plans had been on the agenda. Definitely, worth watching if you like edgy movies, the cinematography, and set dressing is magnificent and very artsy. Enjoy.
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Gerard F. Beritela
09-08-2025I really debated how many stars to give this movie. On the one hand, it is spell-binding. The sets, cinematography, and use of color are incredible. To me, somehow, it felt like I was watching a live play instead of a movie. It felt to me like it could have been written by Shakespeare. On the other hand, the "thief" is a brutal, brutal bully who assaults with his never-ending words almost as much as with his savage violence. After watching it I don't know how to reconcile the emotions of disgust and fascination I felt. I do recommend it to you, but just be prepared for the experience.
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Maxine E. Bush
09-08-2025I did not think I would make it all the way through this film, the start was so unsettling.But, as I trust Helen Mirren's (and that of her agent) judgement, I pressed "pause" for a moment to change my perspective, and plunged back in.Omg, it is so good.Michael Gambon is a huge, domineering talent, and that spills forth in this film, soaking everyone and everything in his Thief's boorishly gluttonous and capitalistic narcissism.Helen Mirren is...oh god, there are no words for what she is. Her range is simply unbelievable, and her Georgina (the Thief's wife) grows and develops and unfurls into facets of Woman we seek, and so seldom find, within ourselves.This is a film fueled by, consumed by, about, and for Rage.It is difficult to watch.But so, SO worth it.As I write this, the tears are still wet on my face.I hated this movie-at the beginning, I felt betrayed...but I consciously altered my p.o.v. to see it as art, and then-I hated it again.Because it ended.And I wanted-needed-it to go on.I will be thinking about this film for days, perhaps for the rest of my life.
Technical Specifications
A French restaurant is the setting for murder, sex and revenge. The vicious Thief is Albert - Georgina is the long suffering doormat of a Wife - Michael, a fellow diner is the Lover - and the Cook is Chef Richard whose only care is his restaurant.
