Ramen Shop

A correct, touching film about past, family, reconciliation. And, off course, food. Clash of cultures, old traumas, delicate definitions of obstacles and reconquest of the past states , well acted and a storytelling reminding slow way of water , it is just touching and beautiful and seductive in profound senses.

A wonderful mix of food, love, family in this quiet and touching drama. Excellent acting and fine direction that touches your heart. You rarely go wrong with Japanese films.

This is like Crazy Rich Asians, minus the crazy rich, but a bit stretched out in time (see belelsene's review). A young chef leaves Japan for Singapore, location of his early life, searching for his maternal family, the secrets to his mother's notebook, and recipes to bring home. Along the way, he learns of the humble origins of the popular noodles, Singapore food, and the origin of his mother-in-law's distaste for his father.

This movie, while not bad, was a real disappointment. It is quite slow and disengaged. It leaned too heavily on nostalgia and melancholy, without a trace of humor to leaven things. The lead actor was handsome but not at all charismatic. He relied very heavily at looking moody and hurt. His other emotions were never convincing, like a time when he loses his temper and has an angry fit.

At least the secondary leads -- Uncle from now, Mom from the past, the potential love interest -- were much more interesting and perked up the movie as much as they could.

Slow paced movie with lot of food. It made me sobbing. Recommended for those who are looking for some relaxing time.