Tampopo

The most random yet fun film I’ve ever seen. On rewatch, it still holds up and has cemented itself as one of my favourite Japanese films and easily one of my favourite food films. I didn’t fully notice on my first watch just how many random side plots there were, but honestly, I think those moments could be argued as some of the best parts of the film. Scenes like the spaghetti lesson or the supermarket chase are both hilarious and work as a perfect contrast to the main story and the more serious plot lines. Also it's key to mention that the tangents are all seamless with one another. At times the camera will just focus on people walking by and follow their story instead. Something that really makes Tampopo unique. The decision to use very little music was a great call from Juzo Itami, letting the film’s cinematography shine even more. On Criterion, it looks incredible and makes me appreciate the effort and quality behind the film even more. At times it does get a little freaky without much purpose, but I’ll let it slide because the rest is pure peak. (Criterion)