A delightful tale of self-discovery and the journey you take to find happiness and self-worth in a world where you may feel stranded at times. An international collaboration between America and Japan gives us insight into the many cultural aspects and values of the Japanese people, that will hopefully inspire in all of us, a sense of respect and a new perspective towards this beautiful culture as well as many others.
Abby (Brittany Murphy) has recently arrived in Tokyo to be with her boyfriend, Ethan, who is traveling there for business purposes. They meet up and spend a romantic night together, but the next morning, Ethan tells her that he has to go to a neighboring city in Japan for another business endeavor. Wanting to go with him, he admits that their relationship is hanging on a thread and he isn't sure whether it's really worth it to continue spending time together. Dumbfounded and devastated by such a notion, Abby naively hopes that Ethan will come back soon and will realize the mistake he made. With her faith slowly fading, she notices a restaurant across the street from her apartment and wonders into it although it seems to be closed. Wimpering and wet, she confides in the owner and his wife everything that has happened to her since her arrival. Losing direction in life, she views her life in retrospect and wonders what she's going to do with it now that she doesn't have anyone to lean on. Not understanding anything Abby says, the couple feed her a bowl of Ramen soup and it immediately lifts her spirits. Curious as to the effect that the soup had on her, she comes back the next night when the restaurant is still open, and witnesses the warm and comforting atmosphere that the restaurant usually accommodates. She is served another bowl of ramen and then helps out the wife of the owner to serve the other customers since her foot is hurt. And then it hits her.... she wants to learn how to cook ramen soup and bring that feeling of warmth and comfort to others the same way she experienced it when she had her first taste. She asks the head cook and owner of the restaurant to teach her how to do it, but little does she know of the things she will have to do and the methods that the chef will implement upon her. Not to mention the language barrier that separates them. I will leave you wondering what will happen from there, but just know that by the end you will be inspired and refreshed by the choices Abby makes and how she changes the lives around her as well.
I for one, really enjoyed this film and how it was shot in such a remote and sometimes oblivious place to most of Americans. The director, Robert Allan Ackerman, did a very good job capturing the views and essence of Japan and its intimate feeling of mutualism between all those who are either visitors or citizens. The kindness and closeness that is exhibited between all of the characters is beautiful and so unlike how Americans choose to lead their lives. We treasure the money and belongings we have, but the Japanese are more concerned about being able to bestow their wisdom and skills onto the younger generation. Otherwise, the movie's driven solely on the plot and the acting job of the featured actors. My only downside about this film was the unnecessary character, Gretchen the hostess. I felt as though the character painted the Japanese culture in a negative light, for example, her alluding to the men being violent alcoholics who are always looking to fool around with a woman like her. I also felt that the plotline could've easily been carried out without her presence, although they probably kept her in just to let the American viewer feel more acquainted with the foreign atmosphere as a result of another American being in the picture. Other than that, the film is a really inspiring story, and is very uplifting if you had a bad day or are struggling with a task at hand.
The film speaks out more to those viewers who are also in a midlife crisis just like Abby, and who need a fresh new start in life. It's great to be able to show that you can achieve your dreams if you are persistent and tenacious towards your goals, even if you have worked toward something that you were ultimately unhappy with. There is always time to change and evolve as a person and be content with your life no matter what age you are. Despair is never an option and we all must work toward our individual happiness one day at a time. It also illustrates the change that Abby went through after being the "hollaback" girl who followed her boyfriend around, to a confident independent woman set to conquer the challenge that she's handed to herself even when tempted to leave with her new boyfriend. Realizing that her life is worth more than living for someone else, Abby has learned to be happy in her new circumstance despite the loss of love in her life. She still however decides to make others happy by making ramen soup and making those who felt her pain, realize that life is a continuous road of sharp twists and turns that will turn out alright as long as they stay positive and appreciate those around them and what the things they do possess, including life experience and a platform to cling to in their journey for wholeness.
But enough about that, because I hope you do catch this surprisingly cozy and intimate flick that speaks volumes about life although it's widely unheard of by most moviegoers. I was curious myself to see if the ramen soup in my pantry could work the wonders that it worked in the film. A fusion of both worlds is integrated into a unified whole and it's a great accomplishment from both the countries that took part. Bonsai!
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