Ramen Shop

Ramen Shop, released in 2018, is an alluring gastronomic drama skillfully directed by Eric Khoo. This heartfelt movie transcends the barriers of languages and time, narrating a compelling story that deeply delves into the realms of food, memory, and heritage. The film stars Takumi Saitoh, Seiko Matsuda, and Mark Lee, whose pristine performances stir up a captivating culinary journey that spans across Japan and Singapore.

The narrative of Ramen Shop orbits around Masato (Takumi Saitoh), a young and passionate Japanese ramen chef from Takasaki, Japan, who is stricken with bereaved vagueness following his father's sudden death. Masato's alienated family history forms the foundations of his quest. His mother (a stunning depiction by Seiko Matsuda), a Singaporean, died when he was young, and his rapport with his cold, distant father, a ramen shop owner, was always fraught with unasked questions and missing chunks of family history. Masato, surprised and intrigued to find a suitcase full of perturbing diaries and photographs that highlight the love story of his parents, embarks upon a journey to Singapore, piercing directly into the heart of his family's untold past.

In Singapore, Masato basks under the rays of a world unknown to him. With the help of Miki, a Japanese food blogger based in Singapore, he pragmatically explores the city, completely immersed in its bustling streets, culinary diversity, and the nuanced heritage of his mother's homeland. His cooking adventures glimmer with hope when he finds his estranged uncle Ah Wee (Mark Lee), a charismatic man who stands as the keystone to uncover the intricate puzzle pieces of his family's past.

The narrative follows Masato's explorations and his growing understanding of the meticulous craftsmanship that underlies Singaporean cuisine. A concoction of mouthwatering culinary close-ups in Ramen Shop not only stimulates the viewer's visual appetite but also augments the cultural dimensions of the story. The process of cooking is not merely portrayed as an act of creating a dish, but it also mirrors Masato's process of discovering his roots and reconciling with his family history. The multiculturalism that Singaporean cuisine represents reflects upon the multifaceted orientation of Masato's lineage, providing him the anchor he direly seeks to explore his identity.

Ramen Shop is a movie where culture, heritage, memory, and cuisine are intertwined into a beautiful tapestry. The characters are well-fleshed, and the complexity of their emotions and experiences gives the plot a down-to-earth feel. Saitoh exceptionally portrays Masato's emotional turmoil and keen enthusiasm for his craft, bringing an intense yet soothing presence to his character. Matsuda brings out the vibrancy of Japanese-Singaporean cross-cultural households, effortlessly rendering the scenes of the past with a sense of warmth and delicacy. Mark Lee skillfully adds an easy-going charm and depth to his character, Ah Wee, which is integral to the plot's progression.

Director Eric Khoo subtly translates the context of post-war relations between Japan and Singapore into a tangible narrative, seen subtly through the personal histories of its characters. The movie impressively uses the platform of food as a means of dialogue, bridging gaps and healing old wounds. The vivid cinematography underscores the intricate textures and palates of both Japanese ramen and Singaporean cuisine, capturing the essence of two vivid cultures seamlessly.

Ramen Shop is a poignant melodrama that serves a lot more than just visually enticing food; it is a journey of self-discovery, healing, understanding, and empathy that traverses through squalls of loss, remembrance, and family ties. The narrative beautifully captures how food can be a vessel to carry heritage and memories, bringing together diverse cultures and histories on a single table. It's a cinematic delight, not just for food enthusiasts but for anyone who enjoys a genuine, narrative-driven drama on the universal human experiences of loss, love and personal connections.