“One Spoon of Chocolate” Movie Review

The Plot: An ex-military convict seeks a fresh start in a small town, but his past catches up to him as he finds love amid danger and chaos.

You Can Do A Lot With Only …

…one spoon of chocolate was a pivotal moment for Unique during his time at a halfway house, encapsulating the film’s essence in a single, profound line. While the survivor’s almanac, which he received from a fellow bus passenger on his way to Ohio to visit his only living relative, played a role, it was not the film’s core foundation. Let me elaborate further.

Unique sat at a table, yearning to prepare a warm drink, perhaps cocoa. He noticed the cocoa powder can was nearly empty, with just a final drop of chocolate and barely one spoonful of cocoa powder left. This realization left him disheartened. In his frustration, he slid the can across the table to an older African American gentleman. The man looked at him and said, “Young man, you may not realize this, but you can do a lot with one spoonful of chocolate.” He then poured the remaining cocoa into his glass and crafted his own drink.

Racially Disturbing

If you are sensitive to racial slurs and the use of the “N” word, I recommend skipping this film. We know that prejudices and racism exist in society, and while they may persist, I hope for significant improvement over time. No one deserves to be treated as less than human. The raw language in this movie was jarring; it made me uncomfortable and frustrated. The brutal treatment of African Americans depicted was shocking and difficult to process.

While it’s challenging to label such a film as “good,” I am starting to see how to frame it positively. Despite the harsh realities portrayed, the film ultimately served justice. Was it justified? Every situation can be approached with assertiveness and dignity. However, when faced with individuals lacking those qualities, you must decide whether to step out of your comfort zone and risk losing your true self or to walk away. It’s a delicate balance when there is no support or protection available. Everyone needs someone, regardless of how tough they may appear.

In Closing

The moment at the beginning of the film resonated deeply with me. It illustrated that in life, we can achieve much if we learn to appreciate what we have. Unique felt as though he had lost everything, believing he had nothing and craving just a simple non-alcoholic drink. Yet, in his mind, he thought he lacked enough to make something worthwhile. The older gentleman helped him recognize that even a little—though it may seem insignificant—can be more valuable than having nothing at all. Unique initially felt defeated, thinking he couldn’t have what he desired, and almost walked away from the opportunity to create something meaningful from what little he had.