Peace by Chocolate

I was somewhat familiar with the story from news reports and was interested in seeing it, but skeptical of the quality as Canadian movies tend to be somewhat cringe-worthy.

It was an all-round pleasant movie with a heart-warming tale of strangers in a strange (and cold) land. The end (not a spoiler, as one expects it from movies based on true events) was very nice, showing footage of the real people involved.

I totally recommend this film.

I was very much looking forward to watching the movie. This family's story is absolutely fantastic, and I definitely encourage you to read about their story or to watch the movie if you prefer. Unfortunately, however, I found the movie way too repetitive, focusing throughout most of it on the opposite expectations from the son and his father. It felt like I watched 4 or 5 times a very similar scene about their opposite personal wishes (which very negatively affects my rating). I believe the movie could have made me feel a lot more engaged by including more diversity of scenes, for instance about many others impacts of their integration in Canada and in the Nova Scotia town instead.

Entertaining movie that hits the right notes. Well worth the time to invest. Creates sympathy for the family and the good that exists in people.

But the behaviors were often absurd.

Son gets invited to speak by the Governor of Vermont but son, who is almost finished with medical school, doesn't know he needs a valid passport and visa to travel to the US? Didn't Syria have borders and rules?

Father is aware of need for permits for his factory, yet needs to be schooled by son that in Canada bribes won't solve permit issues?

And the fact that the towns existing chocolatier is concerned about new competition is portrayed as xenophobia?

I'm sure the real story is complex and heart warming but these absurdities detract from the film version.

It's an inspiring film of a family beating their odds setting out in a new place. I'm surprised by the low rating here as it's well made, entertaining and being based on a true story, inspiring. The acting is good and storyline well thought out. I found the film to be of a good length. There are no special effects but the on location filming was well done and I found suitable to the story. The storyline is what pulls the punch for this film and I was captivated from start to finish. The interactions between the characters were very good.

I recommend watching it - no need to watch in the cinema.

This movie... It doesn't only makes my day because I'm a Syrian and loved the way these people accomplished something and gave me hope and a smile. It's also that Syrian soul it has, working tirelessly for your dreams but also being their for your family.

RIP Hatem Ali, you will be missed.