Ramen is a tricky subject to most Americans. On one hand, it means “Cup Noodle,” 24 packages for $2 and ingesting more sodium than once thought humanly possible. On the other, it’s downright delicious when served properly and with things aside from the dried peas or “flavor packets” that come with the cheap versions. (If you’re around New York, we recommend the Ippudo chain or Minca.)
That said, there has only been one great film about ramen: Tampopo. A heart-warming tale of a truck driver helping a widow turn her ramen shop around, it is a regarded whimsical “noodle western” that proves even hobos can be culinary masters. And now, to round out the spectrum, there is officially the Worst Ramen Film: The Ramen Girl.
Ramen stars Brittany Murphy as Flirty Bubbly Gaijin Girl who comes to Japan to be with her boyfriend. She’s quickly abandoned in lieu of something (we’re guessing Asian women) and discovers the healing power of ramen thanks to a cankerous old Master (Toshiyuki Nishida) and “Mama-San” (Kaori Momoi). Of course, there is no date set for a U.S. release, but if you’re in Japan, Singapore or the Netherlands consider yourselves lucky. Of course, maybe it will be a great film. And maybe ramen can teach us about ourselves. And maybe if I close my eyes and wish real hard, I’ll get a pony and a pink frilly dress with sparkles and made from dreams! Of course, it could just be easier for me to make Cup Noodle for breakfast, again.
[via Kaiju Shakedown, Metafilter]
Originally posted on:
SpoutBlog