Thanks for the memories!

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Saw all the reviews. This movie is a great exposition of Indian culture. Like the complaints about lack of chemistry. No way was Rai going to smooch with that mellecha. It was actually rich, full and deep for those with an interest and understanding of things Indian. And seeing Rai was great. McDermott always seemed like he needed a bath and knew it. You just couldn't grade it the same way as a Hollywood production. It was earthy and sloppy and colorful and confused, complicated, beautiful and revolting just like India. Where else can you get a lot of spice knowledge, see Aishwarya Rai close up and a nice eggplant recipe all in the same movie.

Tilo (Aishwarya Rai) was left an orphan in India when her parents were killed by bandits. Happily, an old lady, skilled in herbal medicine, aka "spices", took her on as a pupil. One of the things that Tilo learned was how to "listen" to the spices and predict futures, including her own. Now, Tilo lives outside San Francisco and runs a well-known spice shop, where she is revered as an herbalist and good person. But, she avoids romance, in part because her instructor drilled in the need for personal sacrifice in her life's work. Also, she has never been to SF, despite living so close. One day, a handsome motorcyclist, Doug (Dylan McDermott) is injured in front of her shop. Tilo immediately senses that this man is "trouble" for her celibacy but she mixes a concoction of herbs that heals his wounds more quickly. For his part, Doug is attracted to Tilo's great beauty and gentle ways. He makes a point of trying to get her to go on a date. But, even spending time thinking of this man causes Tilo to lose balance and blame mishaps to her regular customers on her own inattention. Can Tilo resist Doug? Will a romance upset her world? This is an exotic, stunningly beautiful film that is virtually unknown to most of the public. Perhaps, fans of McDermott have sought it out; lucky them. Part of the film's success lies in the glimpse into the world of Indian spices and heritage, especially the strong dedication of Hindi herbalists. The movie also features two lovely performances from the stars and a great supporting cast. Costumes, setting, photography, and a sensitive direction complete its journey to excellence. Do make a strong effort to find this gem, romance and quality film fans. It will turn your head and touch your heart.

Let's begin with...the good things, shall we? The cinematography, art direction... it's OK. Visually, I think this movie has succeeded in creating a modern showing and respect for traditions. Beautifully done there, I promise you that your eyes will have a feast on all the spices. That's about all I can say. The characters are confusing, questionable, unrealistic... The whole storyline and concept is magical, mystical and mysterious though it succeeded in being unconvincing. I mean, my favorite movies are Memoirs of a Geisha and Big Fish; all these stories have beautiful story lines, images, fantasies etc. "Mistress of Spices" failed right from the beginning. Overflooded with voice overs, over explained and overdescripted with unnecessary dialogue. I thought it killed the beautiful images seen on screen. Wise words and inspiring lines were thrown casually at inappropriate times. Everything was predictable, foolish and very flat. I feel so terrible for every potentially-good movie I see that turns out to be a flop.

Maybe I don't know enough about how spices are revered in Indian culture, I felt it did not make me that interested in the spice thing - except that I love Indian cooking! However, after watching Chocolat, I wanted to know a lot more about the Mayan heritage of chocolate and about the folklore behind the 'magic' - the film just inspired that romantic imagery and magic feeling about both Vianne and the chocolate.This film did not inspire very much and I think, considering the premise, could have done a lot more! I don't think Dylan McDermott was the right guy because it was never convincing that she was THAT interested in him to break any rules. I wouldn't have broken any rules for him! :) He just wasn't very charming and the part about his so-called Native American history was almost gratuitous and very unconvincing.Uninspiring and unconvincing...that's how I summarise this film. Nice idea though, just got in the wrong hands for carrying it out, I think.