The Idol (2002): cast, story & where to watch

2002 · Film · ★ 4.8

The Idol poster

Released in 2002, The Idol is a drama and romance film directed by Samantha Lang, running about 110 minutes.

What it’s about. An Australian actress forms a spiritual bond with an elderly Chinese chef who lives across from her in a Parisian tenement house.

Who’s in it. The Idol stars James Hong as Zao, Leelee Sobieski as Sara Silver, Jean-Paul Roussillon as Roger Castellac and Jalil Lespert as Philippe, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 4.8/10, The Idol has proved divisive with audiences.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Idol page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Idol tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Idol (2002)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Idol change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Idol worth watching?
The Idol holds an audience score of 4.8 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and romance. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Idol?
The Idol stars James Hong, Leelee Sobieski, Jean-Paul Roussillon, Jalil Lespert and Marie Loboda.
When was The Idol released?
The Idol was released in 2002, with a runtime of about 110 minutes.