❝Everyone has their own ladder. Some do their best to climb to the top, while others don't even realize they have a ladder. You came along... and helped me find my ladder.❞
──────⊹⊱✫⊰⊹──────
I love, love, love food films, and when I saw that Tampopo was highly rated and featured some talented Japanese actors, I was sure I was in for a good time. Boy, was I right!
The core plot of Tampopo learning to cook excellent ramen and making good friends along the way was so sweet and such a pleasure to watch. Miyamoto Nobuko was gentle and warm and it was easy to see why everyone wanted to help her. She had great chemistry with Yamazaki Tsutomu, who was a bit like a gruff bear. I almost didn't recognise Ken Watanabe, but I wish he had a bit more screen-time as I think he could've brought good comedic relief.
The other short subplots interweaved in the film were mostly nice (though I almost cried at the last meal one), but I cringed every time I saw the Man in the White Suit and his lover. I get that the point was to show how food was such a big part of their relationship, but it was excruciatingly nauseating to watch them pass an egg yolk between their mouths. I love Kōji but I genuinely considering switching the film off.
Would I watch Tampopo again? Yes. But never with anyone else (especially family).
❝Everyone has their own ladder. Some do their best to climb to the top, while others don't even realize they have a ladder. You came along... and helped me find my ladder.❞
──────⊹⊱✫⊰⊹──────
I love, love, love food films, and when I saw that Tampopo was highly rated and featured some talented Japanese actors, I was sure I was in for a good time. Boy, was I right!
The core plot of Tampopo learning to cook excellent ramen and making good friends along the way was so sweet and such a pleasure to watch. Miyamoto Nobuko was gentle and warm and it was easy to see why everyone wanted to help her. She had great chemistry with Yamazaki Tsutomu, who was a bit like a gruff bear. I almost didn't recognise Ken Watanabe, but I wish he had a bit more screen-time as I think he could've brought good comedic relief.
The other short subplots interweaved in the film were mostly nice (though I almost cried at the last meal one), but I cringed every time I saw the Man in the White Suit and his lover. I get that the point was to show how food was such a big part of their relationship, but it was excruciatingly nauseating to watch them pass an egg yolk between their mouths. I love Kōji but I genuinely considering switching the film off.
Would I watch Tampopo again? Yes. But never with anyone else (especially family).
