Brimming with what it means to be Japanese from a historical and cultural perspective, this charming photoplay is totally owned by radiant Actress Honoka Matsumoto who plays a restaurant chef (and subsequent owner) on a life-long quest for the perfect blend of Osaka and Edo (today's Tokyo) cuisine. (At the time, female chefs in Edo were virtually unknown.) Along the way, she encounters triumphs (a major food critic rates her food as at least the second best in Edo) and devastations (her difficult-to-perfect but now famous dishes are stolen by a larger competitor who also may have burnt her establishment to the ground). Always in the background (and sometimes front and center) is the emotionally debilitating situation of her best friend (since childhood) being physically nearby, but socially unreachable. While the story line may seem a bit wobbly, Director Haruki Kadokawa's execution of it is darn close to perfect (hotondo kanpeki desu ne). Kadokawa is also one of the script writers. Well cast actors deliver engaging performances all round. While the ending is not quite happy, it does leave open several subsequent, compensating possibilities including a local Shinto fox god who may have offered a helping hand (err, paw) here and there, and may do so again. Cinematography is very good and makes a well known street set appear larger than it really is. Some night scenes such as a killer mud slide are under lighted (perhaps for budgetary reasons?). Music is fine with the closing-credits song adding the right touch. Food presentations seem historically accurate (and always look delicious!). Be prepared for a rare movie treat. Highly recommended. Viewed at Japanese Film Festival Online. WILLIAM FLANIGAN.