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Most helpful customer reviews
By Josh Adams
Format:DVD
I must say that after finishing this movie earlier today it immediately climbed my unofficial, unmade list of favorite movies ever to one of the top rankings. I went in with zero expectation, how I think all movies should be viewed but of course that is not realistic, and was absorbed and delighted by it the entire time.
I feel not the need to tell you about the plot because if you're interested in the movie you've probably already read up on it, but just know that each actor plays their part brilliantly and with charm (with special props to Tatsuya Gashuin and Maya Banno who played the grandfather and daughter, respectively). I've heard some plot complaints coming from other reviewers and while the movie is a tad waiver-y the subplots and personal missions of each of the five family members are enthralling and not only tie together in the end but left me feeling enlightened. At the risk of being dramatic, I even found the movie inspiring.
The setting of the movie is absolutely beautiful; in a quaint, rural community all of the cinematography is admirable and adds to the rustic simplicity which the movie contains. Many scenes reminded me of the animated movie "My Neighbour Totoro" and being a fan of that movie made "The Taste of Tea" feel even more special.
The film has a definite originality to it and I doubt there is anything else quite like it around. Each character is quirky but none to the point of irritability or where they feel like caricatures. I was in fact charmed with the entire family.
The movie has a few sad moments but overall is not to be taken seriously. There are many funny scenes, one in which I actually burst out laughing, and the actions and mannerisms of the family members kept the movie consistently fresh. Some of the things that happen are absurd so I think it is important to remember to not take things too seriously.
The movie is an extremely endearing, poignant case study on a rural Japanese family, packed with humor, drama, quests to better one's self and above all an eccentric gusto which carries the movie throughout. I would whole heartedly recommend it to any fan of Asian cinema, art-house cinema or perhaps anybody with an open mind.
10/10
I feel not the need to tell you about the plot because if you're interested in the movie you've probably already read up on it, but just know that each actor plays their part brilliantly and with charm (with special props to Tatsuya Gashuin and Maya Banno who played the grandfather and daughter, respectively). I've heard some plot complaints coming from other reviewers and while the movie is a tad waiver-y the subplots and personal missions of each of the five family members are enthralling and not only tie together in the end but left me feeling enlightened. At the risk of being dramatic, I even found the movie inspiring.
The setting of the movie is absolutely beautiful; in a quaint, rural community all of the cinematography is admirable and adds to the rustic simplicity which the movie contains. Many scenes reminded me of the animated movie "My Neighbour Totoro" and being a fan of that movie made "The Taste of Tea" feel even more special.
The film has a definite originality to it and I doubt there is anything else quite like it around. Each character is quirky but none to the point of irritability or where they feel like caricatures. I was in fact charmed with the entire family.
The movie has a few sad moments but overall is not to be taken seriously. There are many funny scenes, one in which I actually burst out laughing, and the actions and mannerisms of the family members kept the movie consistently fresh. Some of the things that happen are absurd so I think it is important to remember to not take things too seriously.
The movie is an extremely endearing, poignant case study on a rural Japanese family, packed with humor, drama, quests to better one's self and above all an eccentric gusto which carries the movie throughout. I would whole heartedly recommend it to any fan of Asian cinema, art-house cinema or perhaps anybody with an open mind.
10/10
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
4.0 out of 5 stars
24 reviews
47 of 47 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing and delightful -- a touching and lovely film from Japan
Aug 9 2007
By Nathan Andersen
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:DVD
The Harunos are not your typical family. The father is a hypnotist, whose method is to enable people to dream alternate worlds; the mother aspires to draw anime; the grandfather is also an artist, who takes great delight in his unconventional ways; the daughter is troubled by a giant version of herself who follows her around and stares unhappily at what she does; the son, perhaps the most ordinary, is a shy but intelligent boy who has fallen in love. The film is gorgeous, full of visual surprises and laugh out loud moments. I had no idea what a nice surprise was waiting for me when I rented this on a whim; I will definitely buy this dvd since it is one that could definitely live up to repeat viewings and I can't wait to introduce it to other friends and lovers of cinema. I can't believe I'd never heard of this beautiful and charming film about family and love and obsession and work and friendship and above all, imagination. It may seem slow, since its aim is not so much to move through the paces of a story as to capture a set of lives whose worries and obsessions are vividly brought to life in their imaginations, but it is never boring. A delightful surprise, that brings the visual wonder of the best Japanese animation to the live action story of an eccentric but appealing family. Definitely one to see for anyone who like to be surprised when they watch movies.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
a well made cup of tea
Dec 17 2007
By hot4hypatia
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this movie on a whim and I was very pleasantly surprised. The story and characters are quirky yet endearing on many levels - the grandfather in particular is priceless. It is a modern tale of an artistic family living in a suburb of Tokyo - very pastoral scenery, but very urban neuroses. It is an artistic rendering of everyday situations that make you want to laugh and cry. It is also a kaleidoscope of Yakuza thugs, hypnosis therapy, artistic integrity, letting go of a relationship, mixing music in a studio, surviving your in-laws, and more! It is all done with a light touch the neither judges nor tries to reduce to some trite formula.
If you enjoy art films and different cultures, this is a must see.
If you enjoy art films and different cultures, this is a must see.
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Love This Movie
May 16 2007
By squeegee
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:DVD
I saw this movie in the theater in New York City. It is the best movie I have seen in a long time. I was laughing until I was crying at some points, and at other moments utterly moved by the genuine sentiment and lyricism.
What a beautiful film...
What a beautiful film...
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 24 reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
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