FILMS

Tampopo (literally translated as 'dandelion' in English) is a Japanese comedy from 1985, directed by Juzo Itami. Billed by its producers as a 'ramen' western – a playful take on the genre of spaghetti westerns – it follows the story of struggling noodle shop owner and widow, Tampopo. Goro and Gun are a pair of truck drivers who decide to stop at Tampopo's decrepit shop in time to rescue her son from bullies. Goro decides to help her and a quest for the perfect recipe begins which includes stealing recipes from competitors, and gathering advice from various sources including old noodle master and the food loving chauffeur of wealthy old man, Shohei. With its meandering, sub-narratives that involve musings on the sex/death/food analogy, Tampopo is an offbeat comedic gem: a multifaceted, Jacques Tati-esque comedy that is as perfectly balanced with different ingredients as a bowl of ramen itself and a complex movie that plays with the genres and language of its own medium.

Today is Ra-ra-Ramen Day. First 50 people will get one cup ramen free! Bring your own or buy from our Cup Ramen counter. Hot water will be provided.