Platicsco
Good story, Not enough for a whole film
Dana
An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.
Caryl
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.
pinokiyo
It's about a 6.5. There actually isn't that many good films out there about ramen. The 1985 quirky Japanese film "Tampopo" is the only classic/main that really comes to mind.This film actually pays some tribute/homage to the film "Tampopo", because I mean that is a legendary classic film about ramen; there's actually a cameo of one of the main stars from that movie who plays the "ramen judge master". It's such a shame/tragic what happened to Brittany Murphy. She is cute and lively in this film. The film has that whole teen movie vibe - but at the same time, it's toned down by the ramen chef/teacher, played by a really well-known famous Japanese actor Toshiyuki Nishida. He fits the part perfectly. He is so abusive to her.It's actually a bit unrealistic, especially how she can't understand Japanese, yet they still try to communicate with each other/give chances. Despite that nitpicking, the conversations and dialogue still feel genuine. There's some overexaggerated scenes like "you need to put your feelings/soul into the ramen", as if whoever actually eats it ends up feeling the same way - it definitely is a comedy drama. The last conversation with the chef is pretty touching/cute.It's obviously not Oscar worthy, but if you like ramen/fan of Brittany Murphy/Japanese culture, it's a feel good movie. If you like this kind of film, you should also watch a similar sushi version called "East Side Sushi"
SnoopyStyle
Abby (Brittany Murphy) follows her boyfriend Ethan to Tokyo but he leaves her for a job in Osaka. He also doesn't promise to come back for her because he's the nomadic kind. She has a dull job and speaks little Japanese. She becomes fascinated with the corner ramen shop and begs angry drunk chef Maezumi to teach her the art of cooking ramen. He yells at her a lot and gives her all the dirty jobs.This could have been better. Brittany Murphy is delightful and full of life. Maezumi is very angry. It's a little too off-putting. He needs to dial it down a little. The Japanese boyfriend is too light-weight. He has little chemistry with Murphy. I rather she ends up with the chubby guy. The production is a little lacking and the movie does need more fun magic.
rghnaish
Stick with it during the first 10 minutes which is incredibly similar to the opening of Lost in Translation. Then the movie is Lost in Translation meets Like Water for Chocolate meets original Karate Kid. Great acting from the Japanese cast. Amazing how native English-speaking director could get all these Japanese actors to act so well and naturally. He must be a big Japanophile. But unfortunately compared to them, the non-Japanese actors are amateurs. Maybe Brittany Murphy is passable. Nice that it is mostly in Japanese with English subtitles. So a big change from Lost in Translation that came out five years earlier. If you like Ramen you'll love this movie.
imdb-331-707144
The people who left good reviews must have a financial stake in this movie because I don't think I can adequately express just how terrible it was. Sometimes a movie can be entertaining precisely because it is so bad, but sadly, this movie can't even hit that mark. The "acting" is beyond atrocious. The only thing that separates this movie from a high school film project is professional cinematography. Not that it's great, but it's at least adequate for a widely released movie. Now, I can enjoy a cheesy romantic comedy as much as the next person, but this movie is really, really terrible. It's not good enough to make me think it was a serious production, but not funny enough to make me think it was a parody. Wikipedia says this movie had a $32 million budget, they must have spent it all on hookers and blow.
