neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Mostly Martha
	Sandra Nettelbeck Martina Gedeck, Sergio Castellitto, Maxime Foerste 2001		Coming from a place not generally known for gourmet dining, "Mostly Martha" — a German romantic comedy about a meticulous, celebrated female chef with no life outside of the kitchen — is a happy surprise. It's also a foodie movie in the mode of "Big Night," "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman" and "Like Water for Chocolate." Martha, played by the imposing Martina Gedeck, is an attractive neurotic woman with a workaholic nature. She throws herself into her job at a trendy restaurant until an emergency forces her to take some time off and care for her obstinate niece, Lina (Maxime Foerste). In the interim, the owner of the restaurant hires passionate, cheerful Italian cook Mario (Sergio Castellitto) to handle the cuisine until Martha returns — with the expected personality and culture clashes when she comes back and the two chefs lock horns. Writer/director Sandra Nettelbeck infuses the film with a spoonful of family drama as Martha strains to win Lina's trust, while the Martha/Mario mating dance charms away.