Chocolat (2016)

In the waning years of the 19th century, amid the rustic charm of a wandering circus in Northern France, emerges an unlikely hero, Rafael Padilla. An illegal Cuban immigrant and performer, Padilla, fondly known as Chocolat, weaves his story of triumph and tragedy under the sprawling canvas of the circus tent. Discovered by George Footit, a famed white clown and acrobat grappling with his declining career, Chocolat becomes an integral part of a revitalized act that breathes new life into the monotonous circus routines. Together, the pair, known as Footit and Chocolat, embark on an ambitious journey to conquer the heart of Belle Époque Paris. Their spirited performances, brimming with exuberance and creativity, revolutionize the circus world, leaving the sophisticated Parisian audience enraptured. Yet, beneath the bright spotlight of fame and applause, lies the shadow of prejudice and racial discrimination that constantly blankets Chocolat. As the duo's fame soars, their relationship strains, marked by Footit's authoritarian demeanor and Chocolat's role as the servile black clown. Despite the conflicts and the overwhelming wave of bias, Chocolat's high ambitions keep him in the ring. However, even the most vibrant acts have their curtain call, and Chocolat's glory begins to fade, leading to his untimely demise in 1917. In this cinematic spectacle, Chocolat's life unfolds as a poignant tale of a former Cuban slave turned star clown. His rise to the pinnacle of Parisian entertainment, his struggle against societal prejudice, and his eventual downfall resonate a powerful narrative of ambition, artistic exploration, and the price one pays for their dreams.

Chocolat is a comedy movie featuring Omar Sy and directed by Roschdy Zem.

Chocolat is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy Chocolat on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.