Message from mhagiwara

[Anonymous]

This film follows a young woman named Abbey who has had a string of bad luck, including a breakup with her boyfriend, while in Japan. She figures that her life is spiraling downward with no happy ending in sight. That is until she looks outside of her messy apartment to a ramen shop across the street. She goes to the shop and begins a friendship with the shopkeeper, who is both hesitant to serve her at first, and also feels sorry for her. After more visits to the ramen shop, Abbey asks for a job and is reluctantly given a job that she learns a great deal about Japanese work ethic from.

I like this film because even though it is viewed through the eyes of an American women, the overall tone is very much Japanese. I feel that this film is a great way to introduce Japanese culture, through food of course, to my students. The majority of students know that ramen is, but they do not know how it is served in Japan. This film will not only serve to inform students about the importance of ramen as a food staple in Japan, but also as a way to discuss Japanese work ethic, culture, and people.

If you loved Lost in Translation, this may not be as mature or as sophisticated but it is definitely a fun film that you'll likely enjoy.