Julie & Julia is the very movie that inspired me to start blogging. I talk about it often because it resonated with me on so many levels and gave me the courage to share my own story through writing.
The Plot
Based on two true stories, Julie & Julia follows Julia Child as she embarks on her culinary career in 1950s France, and Julie Powell, a modern-day woman who challenges herself to cook all 524 recipes in Julia’s cookbook within a year — while blogging about the experience. The film intertwines their parallel journeys of discovery, passion, and perseverance.
Quick Facts
- Director: Nora Ephron
- Main Cast / Lead Actors: Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Stanley Tucci, Chris Messina
- IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes:
IMDb: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 77% - Genres: Biography, Drama, Comedy
- Rating: PG-13 (for brief strong language and some sensuality)
- Release Year: 2009
- Length: 2 hours 3 minutes
- Where to Watch: Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube (rental or purchase options vary)
Why I Loved It and Why It's So Special
I’m sure I’m not the only person in the world inspired by this movie, I’m just one among many.
The beginning of the film struck a personal chord with me… both Julie and Julia embark on new journeys, much like my own move to Florida. Watching their stories unfold resonated deeply with me, as if their experiences mirrored my own in so many ways.
I see myself in Julie, especially in her temperament. Like her, I have my moments of frustration, especially when it comes to cooking. There’s this persistent feeling of not being “good enough,” like no matter what I try, I fall short.
Yet, when it comes to baking, it’s different. Baking feels like science, precise and reliable, and somehow that’s where I excel. Growing up watching Alton Brown’s Good Eats nurtured my love for the science behind food.
I once dreamed of becoming a baker, but life took me on a different path, though someday, if I make the time, I’d love to create a baking blog of my own.
Watching their determination and dedication inspired me to start blogging, a creative outlet I hadn’t dared to explore before.
Julie’s voice – her humor, honesty, and inner monologue – feels like the voice I now hear inside my own head when I write. Blogging has become a part of my life, I think about it constantly, even when texting, my words flowing as if I’m still writing a post. It’s contagious.
This movie taught me the importance of persistence, passion, and finding joy in the process, not just the outcome.
I’ve watched Julie & Julia more than a dozen times because it beautifully blends storytelling with food, love, and personal growth. Plus, there’s a sweet little cat cameo, which makes it even better!
But this movie… Julie & Julia – it was the spark. It ignited a fire in me, proving that anyone can blog. I suspect Julie was far more organized than I am, she’s a writer, and I’m simply writing. They’re not the same, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have stories to tell or an audience waiting to find me. Back when this movie came out, blogging wasn’t nearly as accessible or popular as it is today.
The passions these women share cooking, storytelling, dedication, are the very passions that fuel me. But who am I? This movie made me realize one thing: what I truly love is watching movies and shows, getting lost in a compelling story.
I empathize deeply with Julie. I’ve never truly enjoyed traditional work, but blogging and writing flow naturally from me. It’s my passion and my voice.
The dual narrative – two lives unfolding side by side – gives the story a richness I admire. It’s like watching two movies in one.
When You Should Watch It
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure about where to start something new
When you need inspiration to pursue your passion
If you love food, cooking, and heartfelt stories
When you want a film that’s both uplifting and authentic
Final Thoughts
The biggest lesson Julie taught me is to never give up. Thank you, Julie, thank you Amy Adams for bringing her to life so beautifully, and thank you to everyone involved in this film. Julie & Julia changed my life, and I’ll never stop re-watching it.
Bon appétit, and happy blogging!
