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Tampopo, a 1985 classic Japanese film directed by Juzo Itami, is a unique cinematic experience that has captivated audiences worldwide. Often described as a “noodle Western” or “ramen Western,” the film is a delightful blend of humour, food culture and dramatic storytelling; one that is guaranteed to appease every palate.

For those passionate about food, or just cinema in general, Tampopo is a must-watch. Juzo Itami’s film showcases the intricacies of Japanese cuisine and how they reflect the deep cultural connection with their identity. Though it may seem specific, Tampopo is able to go from the particular to the general, starting with Japan only to eventually reach a common human core. Overall, the film, featuring global superstar Ken Watanabe in one of his early roles, has left a lasting cultural impact, solidifying its place as an all-time classic.

 

The Appeal of Tampopo

Tampopo’s first successful bowl of ramen.

Tampopo is, in reality, two different movies. The first one revolves around Tampopo, a widowed ramen shop owner, and her quest to perfect her noodle soup making abilities. In her journey, she enlists the help of Goro, a truck driver with a heart of gold, who secretly feels passionate about cooking. Eventually, an array of colorful characters join them as Tampopo slowly, but surely, improves her abilities as a chef. As critics have pointed out, the story is not just about perfecting a dish; it’s about understanding the art of ramen and the cultural significance it holds in Japan.

The second film feature in Tampopo is best described as a collection of short stories. Intertwined between Tampopo’s quest for perfection are seemingly random scenes of people in either mundane or life-altering situations. All of these are tied together by their unique relationship with food: we see an intern embarrass his bosses by ordering something unique in a French restaurant, a white suit gangster with a raw food fetish, a woman that dies preparing one last meal for her family, etc. These stories reign from the hilarious, to the heartbreaking, to overall fun experiences.

This is to say that Tampopo’s appeal has to do with its unique form of storytelling and sharp satirical edge. Additionally, it was one of the first movies to explore food as a central theme, setting the stage for other food-centric films to follow. Tampopo stands out for its detailed exploration of Japanese culture, particularly the one surrounding ramen —which we’ll explore in section three. Thus, the movie’s portrayal of culinary arts resonates deeply with viewers, especially those who appreciate the nuances of the country’s diverse cuisine.

 

Humour and Satire in Tampopo

Tampopo and co-chef scouting other ramen establishments.

Tampopo is renowned worldwide for its quirky and offbeat humour. The film expertly blends satire with light-hearted comedy, creating a unique viewing experience that anyone would appreciate. Itami uses comedic situations to subtly critique Japanese society, especially its obsession with perfection and adherence to tradition. This isn’t to say he condemns it, as humour in this case is used to highlight its flaws and praise its strengths.

The cast is also something to applaud regarding the humour, as their performances are endearing, charming and funny. Tsutomu Yamazaki as Goro and Nobuko Miyamoto as Tampopo are especially intoxicating to watch due to their fantastic chemistry. They play off each other with a back and forth worthy of some of the best comedies out in theaters.

It’s also important to mention that the humour presented is, in one word, accessible. It’s not for everyone, some people won’t fully understand the nuances of Itami’s writing and dismiss some scenes as pure shock value. However, it is very easy to relate to many of the situations presented, and also see where the director was playing-off media tropes for laughs. Scenes like the ramen master’s lesson on how to properly eat, or the over-the-top antics of the gangster character, played by Koji Yakusho, are just a few examples of this.

More importantly, these moments of comedy are layered in a peculiar way: they highlight the deep connection between food and humour in movies and life in Japan.

 

Ramen as a Symbol

Ramen master teaching student how to properly eat.

The question most people should be asking regarding Tampopo is the following: Why ramen? Why not Sushi, or Soba noodles, or Unagi. The answer is simple, ramen is, as expert Ivan Orkin has put it, the only Japanese cuisine where there is no rule book. The meal is all about experimenting and finding out what is right for you, not following a recipe that guarantees success. As such, in the film it’s used as a metaphor for life itself. The process of perfecting this dish is a symbol of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of personal development. Tampopo’s journey to cook the perfect bowl parallels life’s challenges and triumphs.

Moreover, the movie delves into the cultural significance of ramen in Japan, showcasing it as a dish that brings people together. Truck drivers, interior designers, the homeless and the rich are united by their appreciation of a bowl of noodles and broth. This parallels the movie’s structure, as Tampopo’s plot is quite literally the unifying thread that adds cohesion to the film.

Finally, ramen is used as a metaphor for identity. Whether it is Goro’s secret love for it, or Tampopo’s desire to perfect it, the meal serves as a device that brings characters closer to their true selves. This obviously matters in a Japanese context, as the attention to detail and reverence for each ingredient reflects Japan’s culinary traditions. To quickly summarize, ramen is shown as an expression of love, culture, and personal growth.

 

Cinematography at Table Service

YouTube video

Perhaps the thing that elevates Tampopo from a good film to an all-time classic is how it uses every element of the medium at its disposal. Juzo Itami’s broad influences when directing this feature add to the experience, as the camera work, sound design and soundtrack contribute to its unique feel.

Food, for example, is made the protagonist of the film in no small part due to the cinematography at play. Itami’s use of close-ups, sound effects and dynamic shots makes every dish a mouthwatering phenomenon that immediately steals the spotlight away from the actors. Likewise, the sounds of cooking create an immersive experience that draws viewers into the world of Japanese cuisine.

Comedy is, as well, enhanced by the use of cinematic elements. The soundtrack, which utilizes a lot of classical music written by Gustav Mahler, is used to great comedic effect. Seemingly normal situations turn into life-altering moments when the score plays, adding tension in a hilarious way. Sound effects are also employed this way, with some sounds such as slurping, screaming and punching giving a slapstick vibe due to their effective utilization.

To finish off this section, I would like to address the “noodle western” elements. It’s clear Itami was a big fan of the western genre and, as such, crafted a narrative that feels reminiscent of them. Some beats of the movie feel like classic western tropes, like a duel at high noon, entering a canteen, and the film literally ends with our hero riding off into the unknown, only in a truck and not a horse. Add this to the fact that one of the protagonists wears a cowboy hat, and it’s easy to see why the western audience was captivated by Tampopo.

 

The meaning of Tampopo

White suit gangster looking to buy an oyster for “personal reasons.”

As it has been alluded to before, the meaning of Tampopo has to do with food. Specifically, it is about our relationship with food, the surrounding signifiers, the etiquette and cultural significance of it.

Whether it’s the widowed owner of a noodle store, or the short glimpses of everyday people we see in the other narratives, food is always present. And that is, in essence, the director’s message: that food is a part of our lives that should be celebrated for it. As the film expertly shows, there are some who’ve dedicated their existence to the culinary arts, and others that see it as nothing more than a hindrance, a delight, or even an aid for sex. Either way, Itami wants the audience to take away the idea that our relationship with food is important, and recognizing it gets us closer to what makes up human.

Food, as most people know, has evolved beyond a bodily necessity. The act of eating, cooking and sharing is probably the most common aspect across human experiences one can find. As such, the movie bridges cultural gaps through its universal themes of love for food and the pursuit of perfection. Despite its deep roots in Japanese culture, the film’s humour, storytelling, and focus make it relatable to audiences worldwide.

 

Juzo Itami’s Breakthrough Film

In the broader world of Juzo Itami’s filmography, Tampopo stands out as his breakthrough into western consciousness. After the critical success of his first feature, The Funeral, which was awarded three Japanese Academy Awards, it was clear Itami was regarded as the most interesting up-and-coming director of Japan. Nevertheless, no one really expected for Tampopo to immediately receive accolades from the western hemisphere as soon as it was released.

The critics absolutely adored the movie, with The New York Times, The Washington Post, and even film critic Roger Ebert praising the film for its unique theme, aesthetic and style of humour. For Juzo, who always believed he could never have reached the heights set by his father, satirical director Mansaku Itami; the success of his second feature proved he was capable of surpassing his father’s legacy.

Another noteworthy thing to mention about Tampopo is it shows signs of Itami’s growing animosity for the Yakuza. We at Japan Nakama already have a whole article dedicated to this subject, but, to summarize, some people have speculated that Itami’s suicide was stage by the yakuza following the rumours he was working on an anti-yakuza satire. Taking that into account, the borderline ridiculous gangster character of the movie could be read as Itami’s first jab at the Yakuza’s reputation. However, we can neither confirm nor deny this claim, as most people would agree their feud really started with 1992’s Minbo, which sees Itami openly and proudly poke fun at them.

 

Conclusion

Tampopo’s crew congratulate her improvements.

Tampopo is more than just a movie about ramen; it’s a celebration of food, culture, and our shared human experience. With its unique blend of humour and culinary artistry, it stands out as one of the best and most unique movies anyone could experience. Whether you’re a fan of Japanese cinema, a lover of ramen, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this is a film that you won’t want to miss.

With its timeless appeal, relatable and perfectly timed humour, and deep message, it’s a must-watch for any cinephile out there. In other words, grab a bowl of ramen, sit back, and enjoy this cinematic feast.

 

Where to watch Tampopo 

Currently, there are no streaming services in the UK where Tampopo is free to watch. However, one is able to rent the movie on Apple TV, the Criterion Channel, and Google Play. Additionally, if you’re fluent in Japanese, the film is up for free without subtitles on the Internet Archives.

For those outside the UK, Tampopo may be available on Disney Plus or Primer video. Nevertheless, it’s not universally available. So, if you don’t want to miss this cinematic masterpiece, we recommend you check your streaming service of choice and see if it’s there.