‘Julie & Julia’

The French phrase “bon appetit” perfectly describes the film “Julie & Julia,” which is based on the memoirs of Julie Powell and Julia Child. The film stars Amy Adams and Meryl Streep who also received an Oscar nomination for her performance. In addition to making your mouth water, this movie shares a funny and inspirational story about having courage, passion, and a “good appetite” for life.

The Julie Powell story is one many of us can relate to. As a government employee, she spends all day sitting in a cubicle listening to complaints and insults. During lunch she listens to arrogant friends brag about their successful careers and after work she hears criticism from her mother. In an effort to escape this routine, Julie decides to write a blog about cooking her way through Julia Child’s cookbook and as she conquers each recipe, she is met with new challenges and self-discovery.

Julia Child’s story is also familiar. Although she was a famous master chef, she didn’t realize that cooking was her passion until moving to Paris at the age of 36. Her culinary career led to many achievements — a diploma from Le Cordon Bleu, a best-selling cookbook, a television show, and an Emmy Award. However, she is most remembered for teaching people how to cook. Her rules were simple: don’t crowd the mushrooms, dry the meat, use lots of butter, and most importantly, always be fearless. Sometimes, you have to stab a lobster in order to savor it!

The film sheds light on two seemingly different but similar people. Besides having nearly the same name, these women shared many things in common, especially their love for food.    

The lesson that we learn from both of them is that life doesn’t always give you such an easy recipe. However, if you can find what you love and you are not afraid to go for it, then you already have the right ingredients for mastering any art.