The Cakemaker (2017)

Frank’s Film Review: The Cakemaker (2017)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5

The Cakemaker is not merely a film about desserts. It’s an emotional exploration steeped in the art of baking. Thomas (Tim Kalkhof), the protagonist and talented German baker, creates exquisite pastries that are as visually stunning. Each creation captures the essence of love, breath, and the very heart of culinary craftsmanship. From the beginning, it becomes apparent that this story transcends the kitchen. It uses food as a medium to communicate feelings of love, sorrow, and human connection.

At its core, the narrative is simple yet profoundly moving. Thomas’s life takes a devastating turn when he falls for Oren (Roi Miller), a married man from Israel, only to lose him tragically in a fatal car accident. In a quest for solace and a deeper connection to his lost partner, he relocates to Jerusalem. There, he becomes a regular at a café owned by Oren’s widow, Anat (Sarah Adler). Over time, he starts to work in the café, infusing it with his baking artistry. A delicate and intricate relationship between Thomas and Anat ensues—defined more by their shared silences and unspoken feelings than overt declarations. Anat, unaware of Thomas’s past, welcomes him into her life.

Kalkhof and Adler deliver exceptional performances. Kalkhof’s portrayal of Thomas is subtle yet brimming with emotion, while Adler brings a sense of depth and fragility to Anat’s character. Their chemistry is subtle yet powerful, bringing authenticity to the film.

Director and writer Ofir Raul Graizer masterfully orchestrates this emotional tale with a light touch. By allowing the narrative to unfold naturally, he emphasizes the characters’ inner lives. The editing and restrained directorial style keep the focus on the emotional resonance rather than dramatizing their intimate moments.

The Cakemaker premiered to a standing ovation at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and received the Ecumenical Jury Award. It garnered widespread acclaim and won seven awards at the 2018 Ophir Awards, including Best Picture. This is a film you must see—cinema at its finest.”