Eat Pray Love

Elizabeth Gilbert’s book that inspired this movie has been translated into countless languages and read by millions of people around the globe. Clearly its message of self-discovery, taking a leap of faith and, once in a while, letting yourself eat as much pasta as your heart desires has struck a universal human nerve.

When 30-something Elizabeth found herself divorced, uninspired and unhappy with the person she was becoming, she packed up and went travelling for a year to Italy (where she ate and ate and ate), India (where she learnt how to pray in her own, distracted way) and Bali (where she learnt to love again), and she wrote about every moment. Sounds like a ready-made movie script, doesn’t it?

Julia Roberts plays Liz wonderfully, and the film revels in the beauty of each of the three countries. Yes, some people may find the story’s message condescending and contrived, but for the less cynical of us, we’re happy to enjoy every minute of one woman’s search for happiness and meaning.

Rating: 4 outta 5.