Sweet Bean

Sweet Bean is a 2015 Japanese drama film directed by Naomi Kawase. It stars chestnut-eyed veteran actor Kirin Kiki, Masatoshi Nagase, and Kyara Uchida, in a story reminiscing about Japan's ageless culinary tradition woven into a heartfelt tale of human relationships, moving at an unhurried pace reflective of Japan's rhythm of life.

The narrative centralizes on Sentaro (played by Masatoshi Nagase), a quiet and somber man who runs a small dorayaki (a type of Japanese pancake sandwich filled with sweet red bean paste) shop on the outskirts of Tokyo. He lacks ardor for his job and simply watches the world pass him by. His life is constructed of a cynical routine, begrudgingly serving the same dorayaki to high school students and other residents as he seems to be waiting for something more significant to occur in his life.

One day, Tokue (performed gracefully by Kirin Kiki), a 76-year-old woman, walks into his life and insists on working as an assistant at his humble sweetshop. Initially, Sentaro was reluctant to hire her due to her age and the physical demands of the job. But Tokue persists and offers him a taste of her homemade sweet red bean paste. Sentaro is genuinely amazed by the deep, refined taste of her sweet bean paste, which was incredibly different from the factory-made paste he had been using.

Tokue's arrival signals a turning point in Sentaro's life. Following her on board, Sentaro’s dorayaki shop gains fame for its sweet beans paste. Slowly, Sentaro and Tokue form an unlikely friendship. The duo also interacts amicably with a regular customer, a schoolgirl named Wakana (Kyara Uchida), who frequents the dorayaki store.

However, Sweet Bean is far more than a food movie showcasing the irresistible dorayaki; it is deeply philosophical with life's profound realities and mysteries. Naomi Kawase has a beautiful knack for telling stories imbued with a profound understanding of human life, time's passing, and the relationship we forge with nature. The movie builds up its narrative akin to the slow-cooking process of the sweet beans, gradually and subtly allowing the characters and their stories to unfold and enrich the viewers as they steep deeper into the plot.

Nature is a significant, silent character in the film. In one beautiful sequence, we see Tokue under the cherry blossoms, describing the sounds she hears - the rain, the wind, the budding trees - hence, emphasizing the essential Japanese philosophical elements of Wabi-Sabi ( beauty in imperfection) and Mono No Aware (the pathos of things).

Sweet Bean’s cinematography abounds with long shots of cherry blossoms, the meticulous preparation of the bean paste, and panoramic views of the town's tranquility. It employs silence and audial cues to express emotions and progress the story. Each shot is an artwork in itself, capturing minute details and mundane moments and infusing them with a meditative beauty.

Despite the film’s overall mellow undertone, Sweet Bean presents hard-hitting and touching questions about social prejudice and acceptance. The film is not just a poetic meditation on the art of traditional sweet-making but also a critique of societal norms that marginalize certain people due to past circumstances. As the movie unfolds, it unpacks each character's backstory meticulously, enabling the audience to empathize with their struggles.

Kirin Kiki's performance stands out as one of her finest, embodying the character's authenticity. Her portrayal of Tokue brings forth an exhibition of gentle wisdom and resilience. Masatoshi Nagase’s portrayal of Sentaro shows a man transforming from relentless exhaustion to genuine passion. Kyara Uchida adds an innocent dimension to the story, representing the young generation connected to the old with an underpinning of pure affection and respect.

In conclusion, Sweet Bean is a delightful blend of culinary ecstasy and human pathos. If you are a viewer who relishes contemplative cinema reflecting upon the simplicity and profoundness of human life, Sweet Bean - with its beautifully layered storytelling and breathtaking cinematography – is one film you should definitely explore.

This film delicately captures life’s often overlooked beauty while serving up a warming bowl of sweetness. It is a masterpiece not only because it provides a rich canvas of Japanese culture but also because it encourages the audience to find joy and meaning in the ordinary aspects of life. It's more than a feast to the eye but a heartfelt journey that leaves viewers enlightened, revitalized, and a bit more compassionate.