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Studies have shown that chocolate can offer a variety of different health benefits—and chocolate lovers would happily agree. For the family who inspired Peace by Chocolate, though, chocolate did more than just help them boost their antioxidants; it also helped their family start over in a new country.
Peace by Chocolate tells the true story of Tareq (Ayham Abou Ammar), a Syrian refugee who was forced to flee with his family after the bombing of his father’s chocolate factory. After three years in a refugee camp, he’s given a new life—not in Toronto but in a small town in Nova Scotia. Tareq is desperate to finish his studies and become a doctor, but when his parents join him, his father, Issam (Hatem Ali), begins making chocolates with some help from their new neighbors—forcing Tareq to choose between the family business and his own dreams.
As the family settles into their new life in Canada, their experiences provide plenty of comedic moments. They have to get used to a new climate—and to shoveling snow. They encounter all kinds of well-meaning new neighbors who speak a whole new language and are prone to hugging at random. Their new home definitely comes with its share of obstacles to overcome, but the characters are all so charming in their own way that viewers will root for them to succeed—for Tareq to get into med school, for his sister to reunite with the family, and for their father to rebuild his life.
While the story is meant to be an entertaining and inspiring one, though, it isn’t without its share of challenges. On one hand, Western viewers will understand Tareq’s fight for his own dreams. He’s worked to get his family to Canada. He’s had to put his plans on hold. Now it’s his time to do his own thing. But it’s often difficult to see the way he treats his family with frustration and impatience as his father works to get his own life back on track. Tareq may be a likeable guy, but his actions will sometimes make you cringe.
The family’s experiences are shared with a light touch. Only competing chocolatier Kelly (Alika Autran) is less than welcoming of the newcomers—and then only because they’re stealing her customers. Though it’s hinted that not everyone in small town is thrilled by the arrival of this refugee family, their greatest conflict here is with each other.
Peace by Chocolate may not be a hard-hitting film about the struggles faced by a family of refugees, but it is both entertaining and heartwarming. It’s a charming comedy that’s best enjoyed with a box of your favorite chocolates.
Peace by Chocolate makes its way to theaters on April 29, 2022. Or catch it on demand starting on June 10.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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