Tampopo became an instant classic when it was released in the mid-1980s. This hilarious, smart, playful ‘ramen western’, a variation on the spaghetti western, satirises the social conventions that fruitlessly aim to curb natural human drives. Appetite, violence and eroticism come together in this libertine’s feast that upends every genre whilst referencing Buñuel, Clint Eastwood and Chaplin.
A beautiful widow runs a run-down eatery in Tokyo. A trucker and his friend feel sorry for her and want to transform the place into the best restaurant in Japan. The widow studies the delicate art of preparing noodles whilst serving a few popular Japanese dishes and tips on sex and food (as well as sex during dinner). The audience is also admonished – about eating in cinemas.
Film details
- Country of production
- Japan
- Year
- 1985
- Festival edition
- IFFR 1988
- Length
- 115"
- Medium/Format
- 35mm
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