Death and Ramen

In the darkly comedic realm of "Death & Ramen," Tiger Ji directs a 15-minute exploration of mortality and depression with finesse, balancing thoughtful drama with earnest comedy. Death & Ramen literally set the stage for this characters odyssey, and Bobby Lee's explosively emotive portrayal of down in the dumps ramen chef Timmy, sets the stage ablaze.

Timmy, a disheartened ramen chef, has decided his time is up. With a fistful of antidepressants, and a bowl of ramen, he takes flight into the night. But when Death arrives to collect him, he soon discovers Timmy is still alive. Timmy, unwilling to die - again - on an empty stomach, convinces Death to accompany him to his ramen shop, in promise of the most divine bowl of Ramen, leading to a night of shared noodles and heartfelt conversations. Chill, chat and chow down on some Ramen with Death, now who wouldn't want that opportunity?

"Death & Ramen" defies easy categorization, skillfully avoiding confinement to the traditional boundaries of comedy or heavy drama.

Instead, the film adeptly navigates a nuanced space between these genres, presenting a narrative that seamlessly weaves together elements of humor and genuine emotion. Tiger Ji demonstrates a keen ability to strike a delicate balance, allowing the audience to experience moments of laughter without compromising the sincerity of emotional engagement.

Bobby Lee and Matt Jones forge a remarkable on-screen chemistry. Lee's animated performance injects humor into the storyline, while Jones brings a laid-back to the role of Death. The resulting blend of earnest comedy and emotional depth creates a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

"Death & Ramen" masterfully intertwines poignancy and entertainment, providing a distinctive perspective on the intricacies of life. Tiger Ji's narrative expertise is evident, as the film leaves a profound and enduring impact on the audience. Through a skillful exploration of mortality and mental health, the short emerges as a thought-provoking cinematic experience that lingers in the viewer's mind.

I haven't signed into IMDB let alone left a rating or review in at least a dozen years. Somehow this came across my YouTube algorithm and I saw Bobby Lee's disheveled face with long hair as the thumbnail for a sub 15 minutes video called DEATH & RAMEN. The first minute had me hooked wondering what in the world was going on, but wanting more.

I've only ever known Matt Jones as Badger in Breaking Bad but he also played his part perfectly and I'll be looking him up too.

Another reviewer said the short was "heartbreaking". Once I realized what's happening in the end, I think it's beautiful, and maybe one of the best redirects of all time. No spoilers, you have to watch it to the end to understand.

I've only known Bobby Lee as a comedian. His dramatic chops are... divine, to say the least. This is the most emotion I've felt from a piece of media less than 15 minutes, most heartfelt and this might have introduced me into watching many more shorts.

This doesn't need to be made into anything longer, it's perfect as it is. Tiger Ji has a new fan. Please go on blind and watch the whole thing. It's amazing.

A chef prepaires his last ramen before death as result of swallowing of a lot of pills. The death comes for do its duty. But the things are little different by expectations.

This could have be the whole story. But the last part changes everything . Heartbreaking becomes the only reasonable term for define it.

The acting, the wise craft of director are basic virtues. Delicate themes , fair used, graceful explored, defining rhe life in essential terms. This makes Death and Ramen is just special, tender and kick to return to experiences who you hope can ignore.

At the end, just grateful for the beautiful performance of Bobby Lee and Matt Jones.