This 1987 Danish film is set in late 19th century Denmark and depicts two sisters, Martine and Philippa, who have forgone lives of their own to stay and take care of their father, the founder of a small religious group. The sisters take on a woman, Babette, as a housekeeper and servant after she shows up at their door explaining that she was made a refugee during the Paris Commune in 1871. Babette works dutifully for her saviors and after the death of Martine and Philippa's father, the sisters decide to have a feast in his honor. Babette, having secretly won the lottery, begs them to allow her to take care of all of it so that she could show her immense gratitude. She spends her entire winnings on a feast that is depicted at great length — every slurp, bite, crunch and lip smack of gustatory delight.