Peace By Chocolate – Review

“Peace by Chocolate” is a beautiful and poignant adaptation of a true story that is both amusing and heart-warming.

I loved this movie, right from the beginning – and then found myself researching the family after it ended.  Lovely movie – and fascinating story!

Set against the backdrop of the Syrian war, the narrative follows the life of Tareq Hadhad, a charismatic young Syrian refugee and former medical student – and his father, Essam Hadhad, who, along with the rest of his family, was displaced by war after the successful chocolate factory he established in 1986 was bombed and destroyed in the Syrian war.

As they attempt to find their footing in the unfamiliar terrains of Antigonish, a small town in Canada, the film follows the trials and tribulations of resettling and adapting to a new culture.

The movie also beautifully portrays challenges between father and son, old and new ways of doing business, and the different ways the two age groups adapt to their new environment.

The movie storyline spans from around 2015 to 2017, offering a glimpse into the lives of real people enduring the hardships of war, displacement, and hope.

This film serves as a testament to human resilience, love, and the enduring spirit of hope in the face of adversity.

Top 3 lessons from “Peace By Chocolate”

1. Perseverance and Hard Work Lead to Success: The story of Essam and Tareq Hadhad demonstrates the value of perseverance and hard work. Despite facing significant challenges as Syrian refugees, they rebuild their lives and succeed through their determination and diligence, highlighting the best attributes that are in each of us, but that most of us don’t use to their full potential.
2. The Human Spirit Triumphs Over Adversity: The journey from Syria to Antigonish underscores the resilience and strength of the human spirit. Even after experiencing the traumatic bombing of their chocolate factory and the subsequent displacement, the family’s spirit remains undeterred. Their story serves as a testament to the human capacity to find peace and pursue dreams, even in the face of great adversity – and in continuing to move forward with a positive mindset, even when everything seems to be against you.
3. The Importance of Community: The struggle to settle into small-town life in Antigonish represents the broader challenges faced by not only many refugees, but anyone moving to a new area, or a new business – any new environment and group of people. The story emphasizes the role that welcoming people and providing support can have, and how sometimes that support can have profoundly inspiring consequences.

Want to watch, “Peace By Chocolate”?

Here is the link on Amazon:  https://amzn.to/3M3MN7i

~ Bella

Ms Bella St John