Delicatessen
Miramax Films | Release Date: April 3, 1992
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 52 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
43
Mixed:
4
Negative:
5
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
JLuis_001Jul 28, 2023
Dark, comical, surreal, unconventional and eccentric. The mixture this film manages to create is unique and absurd in equal amounts, and while it doesn't have an overly powerful plot, it still manages to deliver an unforgettable experience.Dark, comical, surreal, unconventional and eccentric. The mixture this film manages to create is unique and absurd in equal amounts, and while it doesn't have an overly powerful plot, it still manages to deliver an unforgettable experience.

The artistic brilliance of its production is beautifully complemented by its imagination and inventiveness. The film benefits from this overall approach, without relying on anything that stands out above the rest of its proposal.

If you're looking to immerse yourself in an impressively bizarre world, Delicatessen is a fascinating option.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
royalguy07Aug 11, 2022
This movie was completely unhinged but managed to come together nicely, enjoyed the 3rd act much more than the rest, but it was dependent on a large amount of meticulous setup in the first 2.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
HellHoleHorrorFeb 16, 2022
I liked this movie. It wasn't scary. It was quirky and funny. The opening says it all really. There are no plot twists. It is the style and execution that makes this fascinating and funny. Occasionally the story dragged a little and became aI liked this movie. It wasn't scary. It was quirky and funny. The opening says it all really. There are no plot twists. It is the style and execution that makes this fascinating and funny. Occasionally the story dragged a little and became a tiny bit boring but overall it was good! Interesting concept and noticeable continental style make this an interesting outing. Never forget the bed springs!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 24, 2021
This is very much a bleak, surreal and somewhat sinister/unsettling watch. The lighting, with a heavy emphasis on orange, is a bit creepy - it has a strong sense of artificiality. The characters are quite quirky too. I noticed that seeminglyThis is very much a bleak, surreal and somewhat sinister/unsettling watch. The lighting, with a heavy emphasis on orange, is a bit creepy - it has a strong sense of artificiality. The characters are quite quirky too. I noticed that seemingly everyday noises were used to highlight a sort of rhythm during the film. It has somewhat of an apocalyptic backdrop to it and I felt unsure if something sudden was going yo happen at most moments, so I suppose it is relatively tense and it has quite an insular/claustrophobic feel to it as well. I would recommemd this to fans of world cinema and dark comedy.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ahmedaiman1999May 11, 2020
"Since I break things, I always buy two."

You remember the oddly satisfying scene from Amélie where the titular heroine describes her little pleasures? Delicatessen, as a whole, seems to be the exact opposite of that scene. From its first"Since I break things, I always buy two."

You remember the oddly satisfying scene from Amélie where the titular heroine describes her little pleasures? Delicatessen, as a whole, seems to be the exact opposite of that scene.
From its first minutes, we're thrown into a dirty, twisted, decaying universe where everything seems off, discordant and in a total disarray. A universe where the cold water only comes on when you turn the handle for the hot, and vice versa, and where there is a musical saw.

Speaking of the musical saw, music seems to be the only thing that can effortlessly produced; hence, it's our only interim comfort in this bizarre, unsettling world. For, in contrast, when it comes to music, all the things, whatever they are, seem to be miraculously harmonious with each other.

The outrageously beautiful yellow-drenched cinematography, the close-up shots and camera angles and the post-apocalyptic futuristic setting, all reminded me of Gilliam's Brazil. While the whimsical, childlike feel that pervade the entire film reminded me of Wes Anderson. That said, Jeunet and Caro's vision is one-of-a-kind. For while cannibalism plays a major role in Delicatessen, it's never disturbing and doesn't even have much violence. And while it has an undeniable childlike feel into it —to the point its characters and its overall look are so cartoonish— it's not to told from a child perspective and very mature at its core.

"Nobody is entirely evil: it's that circumstances that make them evil, or they don't know they are doing evil."

This quote doesn't only apply to a certain character in the film, but I think it sums up the entire film in one way or another. Delicatessen is littered with inexplicable circumstances that seem, at face value, to only lead to sinister ends. However, there are also things in the film that don't seem to fit in with neither its major theme nor the chaotically evil happenings. Yes, the music and the cartoonish vibe. They somehow suggest that everything will be alright in the end: where comes the job for the Australian!

The only issue I have, which is sadly a major one, is that the film is too convoluted for its own good. The fact it's intentionally messy —which is a thing I adored about it— didn't help either. Regardless, do yourself a favour and watch it, even if you didn't necessarily like Amélie. "C’est saisissant!"

(8.5/10)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
RobertBroganSep 30, 2015
Delicatessen is a very visually stimulating film. Despite the impression that the description creates, the film is about as much a horror movie as Army of Darkness is. Rather I would say the film is a fiendish and surreal comedy. Whether youDelicatessen is a very visually stimulating film. Despite the impression that the description creates, the film is about as much a horror movie as Army of Darkness is. Rather I would say the film is a fiendish and surreal comedy. Whether you enjoy the film or not will largely come down to taste. The acting and filmmaking are good enough to at least warrant a view so you can see for yourself.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
oliver1hMay 25, 2013
One of the most unique post-apocalyptic movie you will ever seen. Totally surreal and I loved every moment of it. Definitely recommended if you are interested in the genre, or in unorthodox french cinema.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
ERG1008Sep 3, 2010
Quirky French comedy/thriller (if you can call it that) with some great characters & all round weirdness.
The film is almost shot entirely with a sepia tint which ads to the claustrophobia of it all. Also a mention for the brilliant music byQuirky French comedy/thriller (if you can call it that) with some great characters & all round weirdness.
The film is almost shot entirely with a sepia tint which ads to the claustrophobia of it all. Also a mention for the brilliant music by Carlos D'Alessio.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
CalNov 9, 2008
Brilliant film
2 of 2 users found this helpful
9
BillS.Feb 7, 2008
A French circus gone bonkers. Surreal love story.
1 of 1 users found this helpful
1
JenA.Aug 4, 2007
One of the worst movies I have EVER seen - from stale acting, far-fetched plot lines and poor dialogue, it's a disaster from start to end. I don't know how I reached the end of the movie, possibly it was from sheer curiosity to see One of the worst movies I have EVER seen - from stale acting, far-fetched plot lines and poor dialogue, it's a disaster from start to end. I don't know how I reached the end of the movie, possibly it was from sheer curiosity to see if the whole thing could really be that bad. But, on a different note, it perhaps may be considered a good watch for entertainment value?… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful
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