Culinary Culture & Gastronomy in Japanese Cinema

Back by popular demand, join us for a delectable selection of Japanese films exploring how cuisine is an important part of not only Japan's culture, but also its cinema. Make sure you don't come hungry!

 

Wed, 23 August : Courthouse Cinema, London

A Tale of Samurai Cooking: A True Love Story, 6.30pm

Great cook Haru marries into a family of legendary "Kitchen Samurai", who have served the lords of Kaga for many generations with their wonderful cuisine. While her new husband and successor to the family is a master of the sword, his kitchen-knife skills leave a lot to be desired. Haru vows to make her husband a superb samurai chef and starts to teach him the art of cuisine. Based on a true story.

Dir. Yuzo Asahara, 2013, 122 min, English subtitles, (U)

Thu, 24 Aug | Courthouse Cinema, London

The Chef of the South Polar, 6.30pm

At a research facility located in Antarctica, it's Chef Nishimura's job to dish up delicious meals for his colleagues using limited ingredients available - soon enough the much-anticipated meals become the only thing keeping them from going crazy! Based on the autobiographical essays by Jun Nishimura, Shuichi Okita serves up a visual feast for the eyes, combining elements of comedy and pathos.

Dir. Shuichi Okita, 2009, 125 min, English subtitles, (12A)

Sat, 26 Aug | Rich Mix, London

Sweet Bean [An], 12.45pm

Struggling food vendor Sentaro finds himself confronted with Tokue, an odd but sympathetic elderly lady looking for work. After reluctantly accepting, it's not long before Tokue proves to have an extraordinary gift when it comes to making "an" - the sweet red bean paste filling used in his dorayaki pancakes. A tale of culinary redemption by acclaimed director Naomi Kawase.

Dir. by Naomi Kawase, 2015, 113 min, English subtitles, (PG)

Tampopo, 3.15pm

Juzo Itami's rapturous "ramen western" follows an eccentric band of culinary ronin who guide the widow of a noodle-shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe. Serving up a bowl of adventure seasoned with offbeat comedy sketches and the exploits of a gastronome gangster, Tampopo remains one of the most mouthwatering examples of food on film.

Dir. by Juzo Itami, 1985, 109 min, English subtitles, (15)

Booking: These screenings are free to attend but booking is essential. For details of how to book your place, please click here

 

Please note: All four screenings are now FULLY BOOKED. To register for a screening's waiting list, please visit the above link.