Tampopo

Food is a lot like music. It’s something that a lot of people just accept as a “normal” part of life, something to help them get through the day.  To others though, there’s something inexplicable about it. The ability to share it, to create it, to put your whole heart and soul into something people can consume… the unique quality of having certain songs/foods anchor memories in a way not many mediums can.  I was lucky enough to be raised in a family that knew how powerful food can be. Most of my fondest childhood memories are anchored around food. Cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, sharing food is one of my favorite things ever, and I believe there is no greater joy in life than cooking a meal to share with your loved ones. Frankly put, food is one of the most important things in my life, and I’d argue it’s one of the most important things about life itself, if you know to appreciate it. Never before have I seen a movie that better shows the inexplicable quality of food and what it means to people of all walks. I’ve seen plenty of movies that show music’s inexplicable qualities (there’s a whole genre about it) and while there are a quite a few movies that try to do that with food, this is far and away my favorite. It shows the people and how food teaches, how they connect to one another with the help of food (haha egg scene), and how food drives them to become the best versions of themselves. This movie is masterfully directed, wonderfully performed, equal parts heartwarming and hilarious… it’s everything you could want out of a movie like this. Loved it. Absolutely a new favorite. I’m hungry now.