Shen ye shi tang

Beautifully shot, very slow paced. It's quite quaint. It certainly doesn't feel like a movie.. It has more of a feeling of a Pixar short (have nothing else to compare it to, but gets the point across).

The central character with which all other threads connect, is more of a shadow in the background. And while I get the point of him in the "story" (much like food I guess, something that is so fundamental but rarely noticed), I felt he was a little weak in his life-supporting role. The meat of the movie is scarce-but-heartwarming-drama. It's enjoyable if you are tired of big blockbusters. Someone else here used the word "gentle", and I completely agree.

Haven't seen anything about the original it is based on. But a larger presentation, richer in detail, would definitely benefit it.

I liked this film, very gentle and somewhat sooting - like a nice hot bowl of noodles, it is one of those eateries that have a clientele that have gotten to know each other through their late night/early morning business and shenanigans and there is 'chef' (Tony Leung) ready to cook them whatever they want - he has to fight his own demons but still tries to act with kindness - he tells the stories of the people who ate at his diner and who made a lasting impression on him.

I haven't seen the Japanese versions of this film so I have had no expectations - as a stand alone - I liked it, it was a good, enjoyable film.

This to me was a pleasure to watch, i think the reviews don't do justice to this in particular. To me this was very refreshing even if the stereotype says these type of food movies are dumb, this one is not. There are welcoming vibes in the movies all over the place.

Having seen all of the Japanese original that I loved, I watched this out of interest. And... it's OK. Like the American office is also ok, but not as good as the British one, it depends whether you want some more of what you enjoyed. This movie mixes and intertwines stories already done in the Japanese, with a bit of extra too. Not a spoiler, this one explains how the chef got his facial scar, only hinted at in 50 episodes and movie in the other. What makes all the Midnight Diner so strangely compelling is that like the master chef, you do come to care about these very ordinary people and their stories.

Beautiful stories based on the everyday lives of the characters eating at the Midnight Diner. Where strangers bond over the food created by the Master/Chef. There is no menu, you say what you'd like to eat and if Master has the ingredients, he will make it.

Stories covering the topics we all deal with, love lost and won, sickness, friendship, careers, am I enough? Etc. Friendships are formed at the diner, overseen and guided by the Master. The stories are slow and gentle. Great dialogue and characters.

Also delicious food is cooked and shared. Always feel hungry after watching.

This series is set in Shanghai, which just looks glorious at night. Some great city scenes.

There is nothing not to like about this series/season. Also recommend the Midnight Diner - Tokyo Stories series. Based on Manga book of same name.