The Taste of Tea (2004) Reviews

This is a pretty typical Japanese movie. It is a loosely coordinated melee of vignettes surrounding a family that lives in a small village in the countryside. Like many typical Japanese films it is filled with absurdity, long quiet and slow sections, scenery, violence. What isn't in the film is the typical sex and/or naked bodies. If you prefer a movie with a plot, logic and denouement then you will find most Japanese movies unsatisfying. If you like those avant garde European movies, then these films might be a good fit for you. What I found particularly enjoyable in this movie was the scenery and the sweet relationships of the family. If you like this movie I would recommend "All About Lily Chou-Chou," "Linda, Linda, Linda" and "Kamikaze Girls." If you need a little more plot I recommend "Nana," "Hula Girls," or "Ramen Girl."