Tazzeka

Tazzeka, a 2017 film from director Jean-Philippe Gaud, is a fascinating and modern tale that blends themes of cuisine, identity, culture, and aspiration. The film is set against the diverse socio-cultural backdrops of Morocco and France. Its unique narrative spins an engaging and emotional plot around a young man and his ardent passion for the culinary arts.

Mahdi Belemlih brilliantly essays the lead character, Elias, a young boy from the small Moroccan village of Tazzeka. Raised by his grandmother, Elias becomes enamoured with cooking under her tutelage, learning the exotic flavours and vibrant smells of traditional Moroccan cuisine. Memories of mixing ingredients under the warm Moroccan sun and meals shared with his grandmother endear him to cooking, invigorating a passion that later defines his life's journey.

Elias grows up within the limited confines of his tiny village, Tazzeka, where life is simple, and dreams seem distant. Despite his humble upbringing, his culinary skills are exceptional, earning him initial recognition within the local community. However, his dreams are stirred when he meets a renowned French chef, Julien. Portrayed by Olivier Sitruk, Julien is a dynamic character who brings a taste of the world Elias dreams of — the exciting, innovative, and buzzing world of French gastronomy. This chance meeting spurs Elias on a quest, propelling him onto a path with confronting challenges and life-changing decisions.

Ouidad Elma brings depth to the narrative as Salma, another pivotal character in Elias’s life. As his potential love interest, Salma, too, contributes significantly to the unfolding drama, adding a slice of romance to the multifaceted story. Elias' bond with her is just as significant to his story as any, full of affection, anticipation, disappointment, and the myriad confusing feelings that come with young love.

As Elias departs Tazzeka to chase his dreams in Paris, the film depicts the struggle of immigrant life, the search for identity in a new city, and confronting cultural adaptaion. The French capital, known for its effervescent culinary scene, challenges Elias in ways he least expects. He confronts the realities of exploitation, bigotry, and the harshness of life in a foreign land.

Despite its subject matter laden with tinges of melancholy, Tazzeka still brightens up the narrative with well-placed humor and light-hearted moments. The movie consistently offers a vivid contrast between two worlds - the organic simplicity of Elias’ small Moroccan hometown contrasting significantly with the commercialized and sometimes brutal culinary world of Paris. These contrasts are sharply etched, both in the settings and the spirit of the characters in these milieus.

In its essence, Tazzeka is a beautiful coming-of-age story that explores the journey of a young Moroccan man with high ambitions in stark contrast with his humble beginnings. It manages to portray the culinary world with a critical eye while keeping it a character in itself within the film. The director, Jean-Philippe Gaud, is deserving of praise for weaving such a rich tapestry of emotions, ambitions, and dreams against the backdrop of two cultures.

The impressive performances from the actors add another layer of elegance to the film. Mahdi Belemlih, as Elias, handles his character’s complexity with a certain innate charm that makes the audience root for him from the get-go. His growth as a character throughout the movie, from a small village boy to a passionate, ambitious young man trying to make it big in the culinary world, is beautifully portrayed.

Scotland's Oliver Sitruk, as Julien, brings a combination of warmth, authority, and charisma that make his brief but crucial presence in the film noteworthy. And Ouidad Elma's portrayal of Salma provides a sincere and endearing performance that adds depth and human connection to Elias' journey.

The film is not just about the journey of a young cook. More importantly, it presents a poignant commentary on how dreams are pursued and thwarted, how new horizons broaden minds and challenge individuals, and how life, in its unique way, manages to mix both the sweet and bitter ingredients just like in a well-prepared dish.

In conclusion, Tazzeka is an engaging blend of culinary prowess, personal journey, cultural contrast, and human emotions. A highly recommended film for food lovers, dreamers, and every cinema enthusiast interested in movies that delve into the clash of cultures, the journey of self-discovery, and the love of food used as a metaphor for life itself. Giving a new dimension to food filmmaking, Tazzeka leaves you contemplating and embracing Elias's journey and his pursuit of perfection on the plate.