Sweet Bean

Sweet Bean is a touching and heartwarming movie from 2015, directed by Naomi Kawase. The movie tells the story of a lonely dorayaki chef who finds friendship and purpose in an unlikely place.

The main character, Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase), is a middle-aged man who runs a small dorayaki shop in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood. Dorayaki is a popular Japanese sweet pancake filled with sweet red bean paste. Sentaro's shop is not doing well, and he is struggling to make ends meet. One day, an elderly woman named Tokue (Kirin Kiki) comes into the shop and offers to help Sentaro make the bean paste from scratch. Her bean paste is unlike anything Sentaro has ever tasted before, and he agrees to hire her, despite her age and physical limitations.

As Sentaro and Tokue begin to work together, they form a bond and develop a deep friendship. Tokue is a warm and kind-hearted person, with a love for nature and a unique perspective on life. She teaches Sentaro about the art of making the perfect bean paste, and he begins to see her as an integral part of his business.

However, things take a turn when a customer discovers that Tokue has a deformity in her hand. Word spreads, and soon Sentaro's business is threatened by rumors and discrimination. Tokue's past is revealed, and she struggles to come to terms with the pain of her past and how it has affected her life.

The movie explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the beauty of nature. The scenes of Tokue teaching Sentaro about making the bean paste are particularly moving, showcasing the beauty and simplicity of the process. The movie also touches on the issue of discrimination faced by those with physical disabilities in Japan, highlighting the need for inclusion and understanding.

The acting in the movie is superb, particularly the performances of Kirin Kiki and Masatoshi Nagase. Kiki brings a warmth and depth to the character of Tokue, portraying her as both vulnerable and fiercely independent. Nagase portrays Sentaro as a quiet, introverted man who gradually opens up to the world around him, thanks to Tokue's influence.

The cinematography in the movie is also stunning, with beautiful shots of the Japanese countryside and scenes of the dorayaki shop bustling with customers. The music and sound design of the film add to the overall atmosphere, creating a sense of quiet reflection and introspection.

Overall, Sweet Bean is a poignant and heartfelt movie that will leave viewers with a sense of warmth and hope. It is a tribute to the power of friendship and the beauty of life's simple pleasures. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who is looking for a deeply moving and thought-provoking film.