anniegii Reviews

Udon (2006)

Food movie. Realistic.

[10/10 · 8 January 2007]

I think the Japanese have a fine sense of the human nature. Tension and conflict abound within and between individuals and many of the important characters experience some form of personal growth.

A young boy is in complete conflict with his father as he has no intention to take over the family business, as is expected of him. After failing to make it in the big city, the boy returns to the small town. On a mission to locate all the Udon Shops in the area he finally comes to value Udon.

This is a real food movie. As soon as the action picks up there are many scenes of making and preparing Udon which include (appealing to our senses) close ups of prepared Udon.

Oishi !!!

Hura gâru (2006)

Japanese Drama : Loved it !!!

[9/10 · 8 January 2007]

This film was quite dramatic. There were some very emotional scenes. I often cried. The dance scenes were simple (subtle) and quite appropriate. We get a realistic glimpse into the Japanese homes, the workplace and the local eating place, as well as some Japanese customs (particularly the sumimasen), in this small 1960's Japanese town.

A Hula Dance teacher is brought to a small mining town to teach Hula to the young girls in hopes that the town will create a Hawaiian tourist attraction in the near future. The young girls are presented with an opportunity to change their fate (and unknowingly, the fate of their town). The majority of the townsfolk are in complete opposition, putting the young girls at serious odds with their families and the society in which the live.

This story is loaded with dramatic personal interactions between characters. Many of the characters are developing (people becoming better persons). The sensei undergoes a bit of an attitude adjustment, inspired by her dancers. However, it is not until a climactic Hula Show that we realize the true heroine of Hula Girls.

I shall recommend this to all aspiring dancers. This review was based on the Japanese film with English subtitles.