At a good friend's recommendation, I picked up a little German movie with subtitles called Mostly Martha.  I've usually heard of most films even if I haven't seen them... but this one was completely new to me.  This one came out originally in 2001 and is now available on DVD and VHS.  

We meet Martha, an amazing chef who runs an impeccable kitchen at a fine-restaurant.  As we get more acquainted with her - we realize she runs her life with the same precision as she does her kitchen.  It leaves little room for anything else.  Every method she utilizes in the kitchen, she utilizes in her life.  She has no room for imperfection ergo no room for herself.  As Martha speaks to her therapist, who she must go see or her boss will fire her, she speaks only off how to cook this or that to perfection.  As she speaks, you can hear, just below the surface something more.  We don't have any more ability to hear what that something more is any more than her therapist does... or even Martha herself.  

Tragedy strikes and Martha's sister is killed in an auto accident.  Her sister leaves behind an 8-year old daughter named Lina.  While Martha promises Lina that she will find the father that she has never met, Lina must stay with Martha.  This is where the unraveling of Martha begins.  You can see the first string being pulled that will have her neatly knit world in a heap on the floor.  

At the same time as her personal life has been split open by the grief of losing her sister and now having an 8-year old to care for that she doesn't know the first thing about... her boss brings in a new chef.   Outraged by not being consulted on who has been brought into *her* kitchen, this only adds to Martha's distress.  Never fear, as you might have surmised, this distress is the catalyst which helps our dear Martha out from her neurotic anal persona.  

The soundtrack for this film is marvelous and I'm heartbroken it isn't available.  It compliments the movie so well.  This movie isn't without it's formulaic qualities... but I found it quite enjoyable and satisfying to sit back and enjoy the journey.  Oh, and if you haven't eaten, you might want to before hitting the play button.  Otherwise, I can guarantee you will be hitting the pause button and raiding the refrigerator before the closing credits.  

Bon Appetit!