The Taste of Tea(茶の味)

Name: The Taste of Tea
Genre: Comedy, Drama

Japan · 2004
2h 23m
Director Katsuhito Ishii
Starring Maya Banno, Takahiro Sato, Tadanobu Asano, Satomi Tezuka
Genre Comedy, Drama

A spell of time in the life of a family living in rural Tochigi prefecture, north of Tokyo. Though her husband is busy working at an office, Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project at home. Uncle Ayano has recently arrived, looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo for several years. Meanwhile, Yoshiko's daughter Sachiko is mainly concerned with why she seems to be followed around everywhere by a giant version of herself.

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What are critics saying?

Village Voice by

Warm and fantastical family portrait.

Chicago Reader by Andrea Gronvall

"Weird but cool," as one character says -- yet the movie is also remarkably touching.

Chicago Tribune by Michael Phillips

The most charming comedy in town, writer-director-editor Katsuhito Ishii's 2003 piece is a modern Japanese variation on "You Can't Take It With You," with some lovely fantastical flourishes.

The New York Times by Neil Genzlinger

A bit of patience is required to get through The Taste of Tea, but patience is often rewarded, and it certainly is by this droll and oddly touching film.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

A tad too long, "Tea" is nevertheless touching and funny, with charming performances. You might say it's as calming as a hot cup of green tea.