I adore this movie. Yes, it does start out slowly, but the earlier scenes play such an important part of the drama that is to unfold. The sisters have given up so much to please their stern, pastor father, but, seem to accept the austere and challenging, difficult life they now face. Babette's entrance into their arduous world keeps us in suspense. Will Babette find this stark life style too much to endure? Will the sisters and their congregation be unable to relate to a woman who once lived in Paris? The feast, and how the dinner guests react to tasting the exotic foods Babette has prepared, is not to be missed! The facial expressions range from disgusting to delightful as they taste not only the food, but wine! Yes, they are tasting what was thought of as "satan's" evil temptations. This is a beautiful, touching film that explores what could have been, and what actually is.