Cigalon: When a Chef Meets a Very Stubborn Village

Is it worth your time?

If you have a soft spot for movies where characters just sit around and bicker about food and pride, you’ll probably have a good time with Cigalon. It’s not for people who need constant movement or big stakes. If you get impatient with stubborn old men shouting about sauces, you might want to skip this one.

The whole thing feels like a stage play that decided to stretch its legs in the sun. It’s got that specific Pagnol magic where everyone is just a little bit too proud for their own good. Watching our fancy Parisian chef try to explain his menu to villagers who just want to eat and go home is honestly pretty funny.

The way the rival chef—the former laundress—just sets up shop is pure spite. I loved it. There’s a scene where they’re both basically glaring at each other’s front doors that felt very real. It reminded me a bit of the small-town dynamics in The Wooing of Riley, where everyone knows everyone's business.

Small things I noticed:

• The chef’s apron is way too clean for someone who is supposedly working hard.
• One of the background actors is eating a roll with such intense focus it’s distracting.
• The lighting shifts a bit randomly, probably because they were filming outside and the clouds wouldn't cooperate.
• The way they pronounce their ingredients makes everything sound like a personal insult.

I think the movie gets better once it stops trying to be about 'gourmet food' and starts being about two people who are just lonely and bored. There’s a rhythm to the talking that feels very musical, even if it doesn't always go anywhere fast. It’s a bit like watching The Town Rat and the Country Rat, but with more shouting and less running away.

Honestly, the ending feels like it just kind of stopped. Like the crew ran out of film or lunch was ready. It’s not a tidy wrap-up, but it feels right for these characters. Sometimes you just have to stop arguing and eat your dinner. 🥘