TOKYO DRAGON CHEF
Directed by: Yoshihiro Nishimura
Starring: Subaru Andô, Yûki Ashida, Yûta Chatani |
When ex Yakuza Tatsu gets out of prison, he is met by his brother Ryu and finds that the gangster life is all but over thanks to a new player called Gazumo, who murdered the heads of the main families. Instead of returning to being a gangster, Ryu convinces Tatsu to put his culinary skills to use and open a Chinese restaurant, selling ramen noodles. This decision puts them at odds with a rival pair of brothers, as well as Gazumo who is sending his lackeys to take over the neighborhood…
Whatever expectations you might have for the director of such films as Tokyo Gore Police and Meatball Machine, this is still going to defy them. Trying a different tack to the sort of blood-drenched stories he's renowned for, Yoshihiro Nishimura delivers, of all things, a musical. Not just any musical though, but one which riffs very heavily off of The Blues Brothers!
It doesn't take long for the film to reveal its intentions, with the brothers meeting outside the prison with their names emblazoned on screen (something I usually don't like but it fits this film) and shortly after we get our first musical number in the bathhouse, complete with a trio of backing singers covering their modesty with a flannel.
Instead of "putting the band back together", when Tatsu has the moment of epiphany its to agree to Ryu's idea of opening a small diner selling ramen noodles. As it turns out, Tatsu has had some winning ideas whilst in prison and comes up with a couple of innovative dishes. Luckily a Youtube commentator called Naruse comes to try their food and suddenly they are inundated with customers
Things are looking up for Tatsu and Ryu until the Ozowa brothers, also fresh from prison, have the same idea and set up a mobile food truck directly across from their diner. Unlike Tatsu, the Ozowas believe all they need to succeed are strong flavours and huge quantities, rather than quality in their food. Their endeavors would have failed if not for the arrival of Mimi, another Youtuber. Mimi is dressed like an alien catwoman and is famous for devouring huge quantities of food - which is exactly what draws her to the Ozowa's food truck. Her appetite antics also prove a huge draw, much to the chagrin of Ryu.
Tokyo Dragon Chef is a great entry point into the zany world of Japanese cinema. The Blues Brothers pastiche helps to provide a strong point of reference and gives a level of familiarity for newcomers. This contains very little actual violence and instead concentrates on its characters' development. Even the Ozowa brothers are given the space to grow and be more than just antagonists. The only downside for me is the character of Gizumo, who comes across like a petulant child whom it's difficult to see anyone working for - even if they get a fascinating outfit that reminds me of 20th Century Boys.
THE VERDICT
With its Blues Brothers pastiche as a hook, Tokyo Dragon Chef pulls you into a zany film about people trying to escape their violent criminal pasts and find enjoyment in life and ramen noodles. This is a good-time movie with fun characters and catchy tunes.