Peace by Chocolate

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2:34

Peace by Chocolate

Released Apr 29, 2022

1h 36m

Comedy

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

21 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

After the bombing of his family's chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Despite moving to a new country, he's intent on pursuing his dream to become a doctor. But when his father, Issam, insists that he must focus on survival, Tareq and his family move towards a different, but familiar path: Rebuilding Issam's chocolate business. When what seemed like a nostalgic attempt to cling onto remnants of an old life past becomes an overnight sensation, Tareq is shocked. Put in the role of business manager, he must choose between the demands of an exponentially growing business and an offer to go back to medical school. New challenges arise between a rival chocolatier while the heartbreak of Tareq's sister left behind in Syria weighs heavily on the family. Nevertheless, Tareq remains set on his goals, buoyed by a supportive community of eclectics. As father and son both struggle to find common ground and navigate the complexities of family duty, the heightening tension between them threatens to tear the family apart. Based on the internationally recognized true story.

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Amil Niazi

Globe and Mail

Although the film has a lot of charm and heartfelt, charismatic performances by Camacho and Ali (in one of his last roles), it’s not quite enough to overcome the slow-moving plot.

May 5, 2022

Full Review

Ruth Maramis

FlixChatter Film Blog

A bittersweet human story that deserves to be told. Overall it's enjoyable, though I think the immigrant tale could’ve been explored a bit deeper.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 5, 2023

Full Review

Luke Y. Thompson

CineGods.com

No doubt it’s glossing things over a bit for the sake of a good story, but there’s definitely a sense of national pride and not-undeserved one-upmanship at play here.

Jun 17, 2022

Full Review

Lisa Johnson Mandell

AtHomeInHollywood.com

As expected, comedy comes from the fish-out-water situations and the language barrier—but it’s never disrespectful or stereotypical.

Jun 14, 2022

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Wade Major

FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)

It can't get the tonality right, and it winds up just feeling formulaic and melodramatic.

May 10, 2022

Full Review

Rachel Ho

Exclaim!

Probably the best thing that the movie does is contend with the idea that, although refugees are immensely grateful to their new home country, their decision to leave was not one of choice but of survival.

Rated: 7/10

May 6, 2022

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AL

Title better than movie

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/01/22

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Rhonda F

I loved this movie! As was said, it is heartwarming and charming but not glossing over ( much) the casualty of war and what it feels like to be lost in an alien country. I so applaud this true story of resilience, inspiration and success by people who refuse to give up and are determined to create anew!

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

09/09/23

Full Review

Sal D

Sweet and sentimental with a healthy dose of chocolate filling. A beautiful story about a family of refugees that is timely and without boundaries.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

08/28/23

Full Review

Andre G

Great story that could have been a great movie if it wasn't for the many flaws.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

08/12/23

Full Review

oldriverdiva F

Beautiful true story. Enjoyed every minute of watching.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/03/23

Full Review

Cork B

Paint by numbers immigrant story. I think they did a pretty good job showing the family's infighting and conflict - the son is torn between his dream of becoming a doctor and his duty to his family and ultimately his dad's dream of chocolate. Unfortunately, the filmmakers have to then put a bunch of stuff on the back burner, like their relationship to the rest of the town (handled in a very cartoonish stereotypical way) and the family's whole refugee backstory. They could have framed the set up better, although I appreciate the lack of horrid Romeo and Juliet romance (which they wouldn't have had time for anyway).

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

07/30/23

Full Review

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Jonathan Keijser

Director

Hatem Ali

Issam

Ayham Abou Ammar

Tareq

Yara Sabri

Shahnaz

Mark Camacho

Frank

Najlaa Al Khamri

Alaa

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Peace by Chocolate: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

After the bombing of his family's chocolate factory, Tareq Hadhad, a charming young Syrian refugee, struggles to settle into small-town life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Despite moving to a new country, he's intent on pursuing his dream to become a doctor. But when his father, Issam, insists that he must focus on survival, Tareq and his family move towards a different, but familiar path: Rebuilding Issam's chocolate business. When what seemed like a nostalgic attempt to cling onto remnants of an old life past becomes an overnight sensation, Tareq is shocked. Put in the role of business manager, he must choose between the demands of an exponentially growing business and an offer to go back to medical school. New challenges arise between a rival chocolatier while the heartbreak of Tareq's sister left behind in Syria weighs heavily on the family. Nevertheless, Tareq remains set on his goals, buoyed by a supportive community of eclectics. As father and son both struggle to find common ground and navigate the complexities of family duty, the heightening tension between them threatens to tear the family apart. Based on the internationally recognized true story.

Director: Jonathan Keijser
Producer: Jonathan Keijser, Catherine Léger, Martin Paul-Hus, Kathy Wolf
Screenwriter: Jonathan Keijser, Abdul Malik
Distributor: Level 33 Entertainment
Production Co: Magnetic North Pictures, Dali Entertainment, Téléfilm Canada
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 29, 2022, Limited
Runtime: 1h 36m

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