Tampopo

I first saw this film on TV around 1990 and loved it. Its one of those films that you put on your mental list of films to see again. My girlfriend managed to buy an Japanese import subtitled version for Xmas and we sat down to watch. Tampopo is a film that starts interesting and slowly draws you in until you realise you sat for an hour and a half mesmerised. Its one of those films that when the lights go up you're not sure what you just watched but somehow it all made sense and you know it was very special. This is a film for life. I won't watch it every week but everyone I loaned it to came back with the same comments as myself. There are moments of sheer beauty that make your eyes fill up with joy. Several times I had to hold back a sniff, Damn I wanna cook noodles now. If Tampopo doesn't capture your heart then maybe you miss the point of film making as an art.

Tampopo is a widow struggling to run a noodle shop called Lai Lai. Though she cooks with sincerity, her food lacks depth and flavour. After a chance encounter with a truck driver named Goro, Tampopo realizes that she must learn more about the culinary arts if her business is to succeed. Taking her under his wing, Goro goes about teaching Tampopo the intricacies of noodle soup making, determined to transform her restaurant into a paragon of culinary excellence. Meanwhile, a white-suited gangster and his moll discover new, erotic ways to express their love for one another through food; despite his enemies lurking ever-close.

Written and directed by Juzo Itami, 'Tampopo' is a beautifully constructed testament to the power of food that leaves the viewer hungry for more. Showing in great detail how food can be a source of pleasure, joy and love, the film is both heart-warming and life-affirming. A sharply written, richly humorous story about a quest for culinary perfection, 'Tampopo' is structured like a western, and can be seen as a homage to same. With its cowboyesque hero and narrative beats parodying conventions of the genre- such as the showdown and the saloon brawl- 'Tampopo' is a marvellous 'ramen western' packed full of flavour.

All of Itami's characters- from the titular chef to an ailing housewife- are ones of depth, crafted with intelligence, wit and warmth. His sub-plots, varying in length, explore how food brings people together, both emotionally and physically. Be it the vignette involving a spaghetti eating etiquette class or the aforementioned ailing housewife, these individual stories reinforce the film's overall message. Sensual and erotic in places, 'Tampopo' offers viewers a delicious blend of comedy and drama that goes down smoothly. Itami's second film, it is arguably his masterpiece; and one whose universal story resonates still.

'Tampopo' features striking cinematography from Masaki Tamura, whose expressionistic work in films like 'Lady Snowblood' and 'The Assassination of Ryoma' helped cement his reputation as one of Japan's finest cinematographers. His work for 'Tampopo' is undeniably powerful and dynamic, heightening the film's themes, tone and narrative impact. Utilising a variety of camera angles, movements and transitions- such as zooms, tracking shots, fades and pans- he helps foster the film's lively and humorous tone, as well as its connection to the western genre.

Furthermore, Tamura's work helps maintain a sense of realism throughout 'Tampopo', with his use of natural lighting, locations and colours creating an authentic depiction of 1980's Japan. His usage of visual metaphors and contrasts- be it of a Japanese flag on a rice omelette symbolising pride and identity, or an egg yolk referencing fertility-serves to bolster the films themes, while also remaining visually beguiling. Throughout the film, his work impresses and enthrals; leaving an indelible impression on the viewer.

As do the performances from the cast. There could be no one better for the titular role than Itami's muse and spouse Nobuko Miyamoto, who imbues the character with an infectious energy and lust for life. Itami and Miyamoto created many rich characters in the ten films they made together, from 'A Taxing Woman' to the 'Supermarket Woman'; and Tampopo may be the most compelling of them all. Alongside her, Tsutomu Yamazaki delivers a masterclass in understatement as Goro, playing him with a wry charm and subtle strength- almost like an Eastern Clint Eastwood. Koji Yakusho also shines in the role of the white-suited gangster, stealing every scene he's in with his charisma and magnetic screen presence.

An energetic, enthralling motion picture, Juzo Itami's 'Tampopo' is almost certainly the director's magnum opus. An affecting meditation on the importance and power of food, the film can make one cry and laugh in equal measure. Featuring an engrossing narrative, beautiful cinematography from Masaki Tamura and power-house performances from all in the cast, 'Tampopo' is delicious, delightful and a real cinematic treat.

I can't count the number of times I've watched this wonder, discovered one night when I rented it from the local video store in 1993. I believe that like a great recipe, you need to practice it at least a dozen times to start to get a grip on it. Every time I watch it I take more pleasure as I get older (and hopefully wiser). This film is without a doubt one of the most sensual, generous masterly realized movie of all times. It is to be hold close to Fritz Lang and Kubrik masterpieces, but obviously in a completely different register. It would take me all night to decipher the various reasons why this pure marvel is so good. But this is not required. It is simply a tale about life and death, and the ongoing process of sex and food in between the two. Epicurism was never thought to be a Japanese value, until we Westerners with all our believes and convictions, realized that Japanese culture encompasses much more that our restrained field of philosophy. This ode to life touches all aspects of our arrogant human society in so many FUNNY and touching ways that I could hardly compare it to anything else watched anywhere else. In a way it is an encyclopedia of human traits. Maybe "La Grande Bouffe" would be the closest contender on SOME aspects only. But Tampopo goes much further in my opinion. And above all the marvelous acting makes it SO FUNNY!! Every time I watch it I laugh more... To have managed to put all these traits of human behavior in only one such great movie is truly an ASTONISHING work in terms of scripting, directing and editing. But even the way it is filmed is perfection itself. Above all keep in mind this NOT a serious boring movie at all but a funny piece of cake to watch... A bit crazy too!! Be aware you'll never look at your bowl of noodles the same way after watching this movie!! "Bon appetite!!"

Not a film to watch if you're hungry but one to satisfy any cinephiles appetite. Intricately woven and nested tales of food and love and Japan make it a joy to consume during these 'Boil in the Bag' days. No need for appetisers, aperitifs or digestives - everything perfectly prepared, blended and presented to complement, savour, absorb and relish. The healthiest meal your eyes will devour with the utmost passion and joy.

I just keep watching this movie over and over again. Why? It's hard to say exactly. Sure, the acting is great and the story is terrific, but what makes "Tampopo" so special is harder to define. I like to think of it as optimism; the belief that people in this world still do nice things for other people. Or maybe that romance can strike when you least expect it. Sure, this is a movie about food, you've heard all about that, but more importantly it's a movie about people. People working together, eating together, striving together, and accomplishing together.

The script is flawless. Every scene blends into the next, and takes you someplace new. The narrative sidetracks away from the main story from time to time, leading to the most conceptual and entertining scenes. Tampopo is an adventure on a very small and personal scale. It's a charming movie, unlike any other I've seen, well worth a look.