Cooking and cinema have a lot in common. Meticulous preparation, varied genres and delights (visual or gustatory) sometimes unexpected. While this week the competition is tough with Alad'2 or A star is born, an expected film could perhaps surprise you and make you salivate to know The flavor of ramen by Eric Khoo, a tasty, touching and unexpected film this week.
Maybe you had planned to see A star is born or Alad'2 (we do not judge anyone at JustFocus) but if you have some time, read this article and you will be convinced to return to the cinema this week. Because in the middle of big-budget films that have been awaited for weeks, there are always, every week, small unexpected films that know how to hold the attention of the most curious spectators. The fate is cruel and the film market just as much and these films are only visible for a few weeks but this week, be as curious and let yourself embark on this touching culinary story.
The Flavor of Ramen tells the story of Masato, a young cook working in his father's ramen restaurant (ramen being thick noodles served in soup). He lives a complex daily life with a father who is no longer the generous man he was before the death of his wife. Alas, the latter dies in turn leaving Masato alone in charge of the family restaurant . Nevertheless, he chose to take a trip to where it all began for his parents: Singapore. A culinary journey begins for him in a city where he will (re)discover everything.
A setting that amazes our eyes and taste buds
What you need to know is that the film is a collaboration between French, Japanese and Singaporean productions. And even if the action takes place mainly in Singapore, we feel a Japanese touch in the realization. This is particularly felt in the sets and the choice of frames of the feature film. This is an aspect common to many Japanese productions today: the natural setting of Japan. And when we talk about "natural", we must understand the classic décor of the middle classes with typical and terraced houses in a vast more or less green setting. However, in this film, this setting is once again sublime. Even if it may seem banal or even simple, these sets are worked and especially at the level of framing. Thanks to a neat setting, this décor tells something, it is not trivial. Here, we understand that Masato is in a familiar setting certainly but very boring because gray and tasteless so to speak. The relationship he has with his father taints his daily life which, like the frame, is gray and framed. When he goes to Singapore, a new world opens up to him and like Candide, he discovers a new part of the world and a new facet of cuisine.
If the Japanese décor is neat, that of Singapore is just as neat. Perfect and abundant settings of colors and flavors of all kinds, we discover over the story a city of cuisine and surprises. Like Blade Runner's Los Angeles, we're lost in a city that seems oversized thanks to panoramas of buildings that don't seem to stop expanding. A city where Masato will discover the secrets of his family.
The flavor of ramen is therefore a mystical film that transports us to another culture. But nothing could predict the arrival in France of this little gem, well, yes. French production has certainly allowed the film to be exported here while the director as well as the actors (including the hero) are unknown to a large part of the population. But it is a real chance that this film reaches us and can touch us. Touch us by its setting but also by its poignant story and full of flavors but also carried by a scenario with many facets.
Cooking, certainly, but also history
The director Eric Khoo reveals a film that makes us want (between us, eat before the viewing otherwise it will be hard for you to resist) but which also transports us into powerful themes. The director being himself Singaporean, he was able to inject into his story the sometimes harsh history of his country.
During the Second World War (as well as a little before), the Japanese Empire undertook a broad conquest of Asia and especially Southeast Asia. This conquest led Japan to Singapore where soldiers perpetrated a terrible tradition: conquest by blood and rare violence. A difficult story that is found several times in the film. By subtle means (TV in the background) until a real bias with the hero who visits an exhibition on the subject. In the end, this bloody conquest about 70 years old still has terrible consequences today, especially on the hero and his family. Consequences that affect our characters and most certainly the current population of Singapore, perfectly represented by the grandmother, an old woman bruised and terrified at the idea of seeing any Japanese…
No need to spoil further but you understood the point. The film is political and historical. Even though it is a film about cooking, it is also a committed film with a deep message. But it also leaves a questioning on the theme of heritage.
What will we leave to our children? What did our parents leave us? So many questions that are at the heart of the story and that, through cooking, allow us to question our relationship with our family, our heritage… And the subject of cooking is remarkable because here there is no material heritage but a heritage of values, recipes and passion. Themes that may make you smile but that, be sure, will touch you throughout this moving film.
As for our friends passionate about cinema but especially cooking, know that you will not be disappointed. As appetizing as Chef, Eric Khoo's film is a pearl that will make you salivate from start to finish. We discover not only typical dishes of Asia but also their history, their preparation and symbolic meaning. In short, a trip to Asia that will delight you and your taste buds.
In conclusion, The flavor of ramen is a chance and it will be a shame for you to miss this pearl. Both powerful in its purpose and in its images, this film is a culinary road trip but also a real historical film. In the end, it is a total journey: a journey through time, culinary but above all emotional. In short, the excellent or even the succulent surprise of this week in our rooms.
Trailer of the film:
