Introduction
Tampopo is a classic Japnese comedy/drama that was directed by the late Juzo Itami and released in 1984, the name of the film translating to Dandelion in English, and named after one of the main characters in the film. It marked the third of eleven films that he would write and direct, his last being Marutai no Onna in 1997 before his passing in the same year. The film is a touching tale of one women's desire to master the craft of making Ramen noodles, indeed the entire film acts as a well crafted and in-depth look into Japans romance with one of its signature dishes, not merely seeing it as some noodles placed into a dish with the addition of soup and other ingredients, but a vital part of Japanese culture as a whole.
The Story
The primary story begins with two truck drivers played by two stellar actors in Japanese cinema, on the one hand, a young Ken Watanabe, who's impressive resume includes roles in both Japanese and Western films, plays the role of the comically honest Gun, alongside him is longtime actor, Tsutomu Yamazaki, in the role of Goro, his manly demeanor and cowboy hat, giving him the appearance of a Clint Eastwood of Japan, or vice versa. The two stop at a humble ramen shop run by a single mother of one named Tampopo. After some harassment from an inebriated customer, Goro steps in to defend the shop owner's honor, only to receive a beating at the hands of the drunkard's entire crew.
Tampopo offers up her home to allow the battle-scarred hero a place to rest, offering her two guests a meal, which includes her pickles and ramen. While the pickles seem up to scratch, the two go on to inform her that her ramen leaves much to be desired. Goro goes on to give a few tips to Tampopo concerning not only how she makes her ramen, but how she runs her entire business. Her few minutes with Goro lights a fire under her that burns with the desire to hone her craft and run a successful business, she implores him to be her teacher, resulting in the first step in a flavorful journey of self-discovery, packed with the amazing characters of the land's culinary world.
The training stresses the strength of body and mind as much as it does the quality of ingredients and service. Goro puts Tampopo through her paces, making her run laps to carrying large pots up and down her kitchen. They emphasize the speed in preparation of the ramen while also paying special attention to the individual ingredients, and how Tampopo can create a taste authentically her own. To do this, the two embark on field trips, taking notes on how other restaurants are run while also seeking the expertise from experienced minds both within and outside the industry.
The film offers viewers a wonderful look into the world of ramen, from impressive looking restaurants to open stalls selling to commuters returning from a hard day's work. Goro has a keen eye for spotting strengths and weaknesses in the different establishments, demonstrating other necessary skills needed in the business from good hospitality to the ability to memorize customers orders and handling large orders. Tampopo also takes it upon herself to find inspiration for unique soup recipes, the right combination of ingredients for the dough that makes the noodles and the other ingredients that will separate a good bowl of ramen from a great bowl of ramen. Of course, the relationship that matures between Goro and Tampopo also amplifies the overall romance of the film, but in a way that doesn't overpower the primary vision, the blend sitting just right, not unlike the dish that stands at center stage in this film.
Thoughts
Tampopo is a heartwarmingly inspired comedy that demonstrates great depth in its story, its characters, and in the craft of making ramen. Her story is one that will light a fire in any who journey alongside her, demonstrating the desire and hard work that is needed to succeed in every and any endeavor. Interestingly enough, the film strays from the normal formula of a romantic comedy, taking detours from the primary story to focus on the various ways in which food impacts our lives.
There are scenes where it demonstrates its ability to connect people romantically, another that shows that the way we eat communicates certain feelings and attitudes, and perhaps most amusingly is a scene where a business meeting has a collection of older businessmen all ordering the same food and drink, seeming to emphasize the countries' culture of uniformity, and yet one younger associate is brave enough to be the individual and truly explore the flavor combinations that various pairings have, truly showing that food is a treasure to be pursued and discovered, and can even act as a means of rebellion. It's these scenes, sprinkled into the film that gives an authenticity that matches the noodles that are created, served, and savored.
The film's cast is vast, creating a wonderfully diverse series of interactions that drive the story forward, but the relationship that is most intriguing is indeed the one between Goro and Tampopo, and yet the film is unique in the fact that this relationship does not form the primary aspect, or a love between the two is not at all the gold at the end of the rainbow, the film feels progressive by always emphasizing that it is Tampopo's ambition to fulfill her dream that matters most, and it's this that makes the romance so real in the sense that Goro's assistance is one driven by a selfless desire to see Tampopo succeed.
This is the kind of film that one stumbles upon accidentally, but it's an accident that you'll thank your lucky stars for happening. The classic look of this Japanese drama is something that may put some off at first glance, but what I can assure is that this offering is a special piece of Japanese cinema that should not be missed. It serves as a welcoming hand to the countries' beautiful culinary institutions and landscapes, entertaining with its eclectic blend of characters and situations that are filled with good humor, loving warmth, and an adventurous spirit. It's certainly made this film lover eager to look at the other works of Juzo Itami, a sentiment I'm many will share when they give this piece a chance. What more can be said than happy viewing and bon apetit
Just great, what a talent.
The movie comes in my birth year :D Nice
Familiar movie, I've heard it before. Is it available in Netflix?