Review of Hana's Miso Soup (2015) by Margaret C — 01 May 2016

What a surprise! I caught this film on a flight and despite the fact that it caters to the Japanese penchant for pathos, it was funny, charming, poignant and uplifting. It is a real tribute to the human spirit, to courage, to mother and fatherhood and to multi-generational relationships.

It's also a great look at the quirkiness (from a Western viewpoint) of Asian cinema, where comedy is often played almost as slapstick. But the acting was spot on and the story deals with a difficult situation that touches everyone in some way nowadays, with sensitivity, humor and hope.

Highly recommended with some reservations because of thematic material and Asian bluntness.