Babette's Feast (1987)
Gabriel Axel's Oscar-winning Danish masterpiece about a French exile whose extraordinary meal transforms a pious village community.
Babette's Feast - Movie Information
- Original Title: Babettes gæstebud
- Release Year: 1987
- Directed by: Gabriel Axel
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, History, Comedy
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: Danish
- Spoken Languages: Danish, French, Hungarian, Swedish
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 11, 1987 (Norway - 12), March 4, 1988 (United States - G), November 12, 2012 (United Kingdom - U), December 8, 1988 (Germany - 6), December 19, 2012 (France), April 21, 1988 (Italy), November 16, 2012 (Spain), June 1, 1996 (South Korea - All)
- Alternative Titles: 바베트의 만찬 (KR), 芭比的盛宴 (CN), Babettes gjestebud (NO), バべットの晚餐会 (JP), Babette's Feast (DK)
- Production Companies: Rungstedlundfonden, Det Danske Filminstitut, Nordisk Film Denmark, Panorama-Film
- Production Countries: Denmark
Babette's Feast - Plot
A French housekeeper with a mysterious past brings quiet revolution in the form of one exquisite meal to a circle of starkly pious villagers in late 19th century Denmark.
Babette's Feast - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the magic of Babette's legendary table come to life.
Artistic, sensual and sacred passions unite in Babette's Feast.
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Babette's Feast - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gabriel Axel
Main Cast
- Stéphane Audran
- Bodil Kjer
- Birgitte Federspiel
- Jarl Kulle
- Jean-Philippe Lafont
- Bibi Andersson
- Ghita Nørby
- Asta Esper Hagen Andersen
- Thomas Antoni
- Hanne Stensgaard
Writers
- Gabriel Axel
- Annemarie Aaes
Producers
- Just Betzer
- Bo Christensen
- Benni Korzen
- Pernille Siesbye
Babette's Feast - FAQs
Is Babette's Feast based on a true story?
Babette's Feast is not based on a true story, but it does come from a real literary source. It's adapted from a 1950 short story by Danish author Karen Blixen (also known as Isak Dinesen), who drew on themes of art, grace, and sacrifice that she explored throughout her celebrated writing career.
What is Babette's Feast about?
Set in a remote 19th-century Danish coastal village, the film follows Babette, a French refugee who becomes housekeeper to two devout sisters. When she wins the lottery, she spends everything preparing an extraordinary French feast for the community — a meal that quietly dissolves old grievances and opens hearts to beauty and grace.
Did Babette's Feast win any awards?
Absolutely — Babette's Feast won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 1988 ceremony, a historic first for Denmark. It also won a BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language and received widespread critical acclaim, cementing its place as one of cinema's most beloved foreign-language classics.
Who are the main actors in Babette's Feast?
The cast is led by Stéphane Audran as the enigmatic Babette, alongside Bodil Kjer and Birgitte Federspiel as the two pious sisters Filippa and Martine. Jarl Kulle brings warmth and wit as General Lorens Löwenhielm, and Jean-Philippe Lafont appears as the opera singer Achille Papin. Bibi Andersson also has a memorable supporting role.
What does the feast symbolize in Babette's Feast?
The feast is the film's beating heart — a symbol of art as an act of pure, selfless love. Babette pours her entire lottery winnings into one magnificent meal, asking nothing in return. It represents the transformative power of beauty and generosity, dissolving years of resentment and spiritual rigidity among the villagers in a single evening.
Where can I stream Babette's Feast?
You can stream Babette's Feast on HBO Max and the Criterion Channel. It's also available on HBO Max Amazon Channel. If you'd prefer to own or rent it, Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home all have it. Kanopy offers it for free if you have access through a library or university.
What is the age rating for Babette's Feast?
Babette's Feast carries a G rating in the United States, making it suitable for all audiences. The film is a gentle, contemplative drama with no violence or mature content — just a beautifully told story about food, faith, and the quiet grace of human connection.
What are some movies similar to Babette's Feast?
If you loved Babette's Feast, you'll likely enjoy The Taste of Things (2023) and Delicious (2021), both of which celebrate food as art and passion. Ramen Shop (2018) and Kitchen Brigade (2022) also explore culinary storytelling with heart. For something more contemplative, The Leopard (1963) and The Double Life of Véronique (1991) share a similar meditative beauty.
More About Babette's Feast
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