Sweet Bean

I don't regret watching this, but it was underwhelming compared to its reputation. It is a simple film and the American version of the same story would be done as a movie-of-the-week; and it would be syrupy and preachy. Kawase's film is more restrained which I appreciated. It looks good and the actors do a good job - especially Kirin Kiki as Tokue. And at least you learn a thing or two about cooking Japanese pancakes and bean jelly while watching the film.

Very well directed, with beautiful lingering shots and a quite similar story.

Sweet film, simple and slow, which worked well in terms of engaging the senses in food being cooked, excellent acting by the elderly character. Plot was engaging, with histories being revealed. Lovely cinematography, especially the cherry blossoms and the trees in general. I thought the ending was too drawn out and sentimental/mournful relative to the lead-up...more interaction between the girl and the elderly character could have taken place, and with the customers.

I really liked this film. Its very meditative in tone and I admit watching the bean paste and doarayaki's be prepared, I did feel rather hungry! it looked and sounded lovely, much as I suppose I pictured when reading the book. Its a slow paced film but its all the better for it, in my opnion. Its quite thoughtful and it (if partially) covers the theme of prejudice - prejudice and assumptions, as well as opening up and perhaps forgiveness. I'd say this is an example of a piece of slow TV of sorts

Sweet and poetic story. Reminds of Amelie. Might have been a bit heavy handed, but I think it worked.

An emotion-heavy movie. It tries very hard to be emotional atleast, which to me isn't a problem if they succeed. But in my case they didn't, so the emotional moments felt clihé rather than emotionally moving. But I don't mind, it was still a good movie for sure. Also inspiring in a way, I'll definitely try to make some dorayaki now.

Very sweet, light and simple. Perfect for a rainy afternoon.

An (2015) Japanese film baked in the utmost sweetest paste! I only watched this on a poor airplane screen platform and still struggled to keep the emotions back. So simple, so heartfelt.

A combination of watching this on a plane, the film being Japanese and my dad's love for sweet red beans, made this nice but a little bloated film more emotional than it probably was. The performance were terrific and the first half was great, but the second felt like it was trying too hard to send a message and make you cry.

The first half is pretty great and much better than the preachy second part.

A lovely, sweet movie with very nice cinematogaphy. Has a really nice atmosphere and characters, I enjoyed the entire thing.

28 Desembre 2015 - No sé perquè, però el tema em semblava proper. Pot ser simple, però no m'ha semblat artificiós, ni tansols cursi. Ritme tranquil però no carregós. Imatges maques, fan entrar.

Another soothingly sad Japanese film.