River traveller Roux (Johnny Depp)

It is the first of many altercations between the woman outsider and the bastions of authority.

Alfred Molina plays the outraged mayor Reynaud, who declares war on Vianne when she opens her chocolaterie during Lent.

Although at times sporting an accent that sounds like it wandered in from a sitcom, Molina is ultimately convincing as a man bubbling with inner turmoil.

But Binoche is perfectly cast - quietly dominating each scene with her luminescent presence.

Like an expensive chocolate, this is a film of many layers. It is about hidden appetites, private desires and female empowerment.

It is also about the naked joy of chocoholism. As in Joanne Harris's original novel chocolate's erotic, pagan qualities permeate every part of the story.

Dame Judi Dench stars as Armande

But Hallstrom allows room for several strong supporting performances, not least his real-life wife Lena Olin as a long-suffering woman who finds the strength to escape her violent husband.

Judi Dench excels as the elderly Armande, and gets many of the film's wittiest lines.

And Johnny Depp (sporting another out-of-place accent) puts in a twinkling performance as the ponytailed gypsy traveller Roux.

Blending comedy and tragedy like light and dark chocolate, this romantic fable leaves a wonderful aftertaste.