This theme is manifested primarily in the characters. Early in the film, it shows the two sisters Martine (Birgitte Federspiel) and Filippa (Bodil Kjer) sacrifice romantic possibilities and personal happiness in order to continue the religious ministry of their father. This can be seen as a great loss to them as they never married and sometimes you can almost argue that they are not happy. However, in their sacrifice to a religious ideal of their family they are able to form closer bonds with each other and with those that they serve in their congregation. That’s not to say that the film condones religion over love, but I think the film does promote the ideal that sacrifice is sometimes necessary when you truly devote yourself to something. Religion was very important in 19th century Denmark, as was family, and the film encompasses that ideology of the time. Through their sacrifice it is apparent that they gained more compassion and were able to show love more to those around them. This is shown when they take Babette in to be their maid and finally in the last scene where they realize how Babette has sacrificed things too.
Of course, Babette (Stephane Audran) is the main proponent of this theme. After she wins the lottery of 10,000 francs, she chooses to spend it all on a “vrai diner français” for the sisters and company. While it would be more logical to spend that money to return to her home in France, she instead spends it on the people who gave her shelter and warmth over 14 years. This provides the reward for the sister’s sacrifice in their youth in the form of a meal. It is a symbol, but I think the movie is trying to tell us that there are many simple things in life that are important to us, and sometimes good things come to those who wait. Babette, through her fiscal sacrifice, is able to express her gratitude and gain a sense of self. In that final conversation, you can see in her face that she feels content with her choices and that there was more reward in seeing those she cares about enjoy a meal and pleasant company than in selfishly returning home.
One thing I found interesting in context of this theme was the use of irony. The sisters – thinking the exotic meal to be some form of devilry – decide not to show any appreciation for the food itself for fear they will indulge in sin. I found this ironic, when you expect them to rave about the deliciousness they simply eat and quietly converse. I think the film was trying to communicate that when we do make sacrifices, the reward we gain isn’t always manifest in the way we expect. Perhaps Babette expected audible praise. But that wasn’t as important as the rekindling of relationships and the redemption of the human spirits that was shown in that meal.
Though this is a foreign film, I think the theme is universal. We are all humans and we all make sacrifices. This film helps us to remember why we sacrifice of ourselves and what can be gained because of it. It was an interesting film to think about and to reflect on, but it was still a little removed and slow. 7/10
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