The Taste of Tea
Katsuhito Ishii, JAP 2004
The Taste of Tea follows the adventures of a family in the rural town of Tochigi. Mother Yoshiko wants to revive her career as an animation artist while taking care of her family. Father Nobou works as a clinical hypnotist. Son Hajime struggles to make friends and is trying to seduce a girl. Daughter Sachiko is constantly followed by a giant version of herself. Grandfather Akira practices fighting poses and is preparing for his own death. And uncle Ayano, a music producer, drops in to get his life together after living in Tokyo.
In episodic vignettes we watch along with the Haruno’s. Described as a surreal version of Ingmar Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander, the film is hilarious, magical, absurd and has a lot of heart. The tea tastes strange tonight, but ultimately very sweet. -Ruben
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