Rating: PG-13
Movie Release Date: October 23, 2008 (Russia)
DVD Release Date: May 26, 2009
Plot 411: When an American girl gets dumped by her boyfriend in Japan, she becomes an apprentice to a ramen chef as she tries to straighten her life out.
Movie Release Date: October 23, 2008 (Russia)
DVD Release Date: May 26, 2009
Plot 411: When an American girl gets dumped by her boyfriend in Japan, she becomes an apprentice to a ramen chef as she tries to straighten her life out.
Review: This appears to have been a straight-to-DVD flick in the U.S., but I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of tamashii (spirit) in this little movie starring Brittany Murphy. Abby has recently moved to Japan to be with her boyfriend only to be dumped after her arrival. Without any friends or family or even a purpose in life, Abby searches for her way in a strange place. She goes to a ramen shop just around the corner from her home and soon sets her sights on becoming a ramen chef. She endures a foodie version of The Karate Kid training. What're moviemakers trying to say about the ways of older Japanese men? Stereotype much? Despite that, this film is super-duper funny because of all the cultural differences and the language barrier. Murphy always did play clueless really well. I think the movie is worth a viewing because its theme of, well basically, girl power is rare in movies. Abby's character arc is complete and an example for young females out there.
Watch It: For a sweet film about perseverance and independence steamed in a bowl of dashi (soup base).
Skip It: If you're looking for award-winning acting or scriptwriting. It's a simple tale about life.
2 comments:
sky..
Looks like a film I'd enjoy, a cute version of a "duck out of water" story (my fave)..
It was in line with most of Brittany Murphy's other stuff. No real shockers here.
BTW, I got Local Hero in the mail yesterday but the dvd was cracked. Had to send it back and wait for them to send a new one. Review is on its way though.
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