Umami

The story does an excellent job at creating a tension and capturing the atmosphere of hectic fast paced, the stress of making sure everything is done correctly, as well as working within the hierarchy of a business while dealing with your own personal problems. The issues that arise from people not doing what they are supposed to be doing or people taking advantage of their positions to mistreat lower employees. Ultimately it tells a cautionary tale about working too hard at the expense of your personal life and relationships.

The performances by the cast was excellent. Everyone played their role well especially Burak Deniz. But the story otherwise was very thin and sometimes boring and I think that could be the product of the one take no cuts model.

"Umami" is a visually rich and well-directed film that captures the intensity of the fine dining world. Burak Deniz delivers a strong performance as a chef balancing ambition and personal struggles. The acting is generally strong, making the characters feel authentic and relatable.

I couldn't help but feel echoes of Boiling Point in the film's tension and single-night setting.

The directing stands out, creating an immersive atmosphere, but some subplots feel underdeveloped, leaving the story slightly lacking. Still, Still, Umami serves up a compelling story with a rich blend of tension, emotion, and culinary artistry.

Disney's Umami is one of those films that surprises you in the best way. It's not your typical Disney fare, but it's absolutely worth the watch. Directed by Emre Sahin, Umami blends food, culture, and personal growth into a cinematic experience that's as beautiful as it is heartfelt.

The story centers around Chef Sina Bora, played by Burak Deniz, a talented but troubled chef striving to reach the top of his culinary game. Set in Istanbul, the film dives into the world of high-end kitchens, where the pressure is relentless, and every dish has to be perfect. What makes Umami stand out is the way it feels like you're right there in the kitchen with the characters-everything from the sizzling pans to the delicate plating is shot in such a way that you can almost smell the food.

But it's not just about the food. The film also digs into Sina's personal journey, exploring his struggles, his passion for cooking, and the relationships he has with those around him. It's a nice balance of the intensity of the kitchen and the quieter, more emotional moments that give the story real heart.

The visuals in Umami are gorgeous. The food looks like art, and you can really feel the dedication that went into capturing these dishes. The integration of French and Japanese culinary influences adds a unique flavor to the story, and it's cool how the film ties that in with Sina's character development.

Burak Deniz is fantastic in the lead role. He brings a lot of depth to Sina, showing both the chef's confidence and vulnerability. The supporting cast, including Öykü Karayel, rounds things out nicely, giving the story extra layers that make it feel more than just a cooking film.

The pacing of the movie is spot on-it keeps you hooked without feeling rushed. By the end, I was invested not just in the outcome of Sina's restaurant dreams, but also in the emotional journey he goes through to get there.

Umami isn't just for foodies (though, if you are one, you'll definitely appreciate the visuals). It's a beautiful, well-rounded film about finding balance, chasing your passion, and learning what really matters. Definitely check it out if you're in the mood for something a little different from the usual Disney fare. It's a satisfying watch from start to finish.

I'm Rae Serbeck, I Watch and Review all films Large and Small!

This is an immersive, one-take film where the camera follows the characters with no cuts. It's also in Turkish so there are subtitles. But don't let that stop you - it's really a fascinating film.

Starts off with a baseline stress level that seems a little higher than normal life due to it being almost time for the dinner crowd at an trendy open-kitchen restaurant. By the end of the film the tension has been turned up to 11, as the saying goes, leading to an abrupt and startling final shot. It's one of those OMG endings.

There were only a few minutes that didn't seem to ring true, mainly having to do with this being a really busy eatery, but for a while no one seems to be cooking and all the stoves seem abandoned. There were also a few times when the place was very busy, yet employees took unnatural amounts to time to deal with things that came up, like a staff member pulling out a first aid kit in full sight of the diners to dress a bloody cut on her finger, and it seems to take her a good 5 minutes just to do this.

So those little details kind of took me out of the story. I don't know that this is a bad thing though because it means the film did a very good job at making me feel immersed in everything that was going on. So much so, that when they did happen, I was literally saying out loud, "Come on, come on, keep it going, people are waiting for their food!

The camera work was excellent. I felt the stress, the heat, the sweat, all the tension, the discomfort of having to observe customers behaving badly, the million and one things going on all at the same time. It drew me in slowly at first, but by the end I was all in.

Due the popularity of The Bear, I'm sure many watchers will draw similarities. As a fan of that tv show, I couldn't help but make a list of them in my head every time I'd notice them - like a bingo card.

You have a man and a woman partnering up to start this restaurant, investors who want their returns, staff on drugs, chef with addiction and parental drama and a sister, lots of tattoos, health department inspectors, people saying "Yes Chef!" in English oddly enough, and so on, you get the idea.

My rating is 7, but I'd give it a 7.5 if that were an option. I really enjoyed it!

Umami (2025) has an interesting premise but fails to execute it effectively. The film's biggest flaw lies in its cinematography and storytelling, both of which lack depth. The camera work is disorienting, scene transitions feel unpolished, and the visual composition lacks aesthetic appeal, making the viewing experience somewhat exhausting. The narrative itself feels underdeveloped, with events unfolding in a rushed manner, leaving the audience disconnected from the story. Character development is weak, preventing any real emotional engagement.

The acting is one of the film's few redeeming qualities. The cast does their best, but the weak script and uninspired dialogues limit their ability to truly shine. Despite these shortcomings, the film maintains a certain level of engagement, making it watchable but far from exceptional. With a stronger script and more refined direction, Umami (2025) could have been a much better film. In the end, it's neither outright terrible nor memorable, but it certainly falls below average.