Bittersweet

Movie to move the heart, mind and soul

How much do I like this movie? So much that I couldn’t wait to write about it. It is a delightfully sweet and funny film.

Maki is a busy marketing/ad coordinator who hates vegetables with a passion. Her co-workers shake their heads at her everyday unhealthy diet of some jello concoction. So what happens when she meets Nagisa, an utterly good-looking vegetarian? Maki is instantly smitten of course. So would most women. Who would turn down a good-looking man who not only does not mind cleaning up all your mess but also is the most wonderful cook, dishing out heavenly, delicious food. I know I wouldn’t! So did Maki. Only problem is….

He is gay!

Maki does not give up easily. She blackmails Nagisa into making her his roommate. He doesn’t have a choice but has one simple rule: she eats everything he cooks. Thus begin Maki’s journey of rediscovering her taste bud and learning about life through Nagisa. His cooking is so good she forgets she’s not eating any meat. He teaches her life lessons (that I’m totally loving too): “Cook all your bitterness away to help you grow” or “Relax, chill and let your charm stew in the pot for some time” (may not be exact words, but you get the idea).

Of course Maki still harbors feelings for Nagisa but he never caves. Their situation becomes more complicated when Arata, Nagisa’s hippie friend and possible lover comes back from India for a visit. Through Arata, Maki finds out that Nagisa is still having a hard time letting go of his brother who has passed away. Nagisa, on the other hand, finds out the reason Maki hates vegetables.

One day, Nagisa makes Maki the barley tea sent by her farmer father to help comfort her. He throws in one of his word of wisdoms, “Like the taste of the barley tea, you can’t ever forget the taste of home” and so they make the journey to Maki’s home. The comedy goes through the roof in the next few scenes – unbelievably funny. After the family dinner, Maki passes out while Nagisa decides to make his way back to the city. She is awaken by Arata’s text message and chases after Nagisa in a motorcycle. Love this scene – it’s not every day that you see a girl in kimono riding a motorcycle. She manages to convince him to go visit his brother’s grave for the first time.    

The food in this film is wonderfully presented. Maki demonstrates this with her exclamations as she eats the food. Audience hears, sees and can almost smell the food Nagisa prepares.  

I’m sure Maki was not the only one wishing that Nagisa would somewhat change his preference. Majority of folks in the audience were probably rooting for a romantic ending. The the title of the movie, however, should sum it up for us.

Do watch this movie if you get the chance. It’s certainly not to be missed. HIFF is adding an extra showing this Sunday so hopefully you can make it to one of the screenings.  

Link to trailer.