The Ramen Girl - A Movie Review

You just need to create something for yourself.

The Ramen Girl is a 2008 film. Stranded in Tokyo after her boyfriend dumps her, Abby struggles with independence. Under the mentorship of a stern yet talented ramen chef, Abby embarks on a journey of self-discovery, determination, and a quest to find her own voice in the world of ramen.

When you think that a movie is going to have a silly plot it actually turns into an endearing film with a life lesson. The Ramen Girl is an underrated heartwarming drama that achieves a positive representation of Japan and utilizes finding our passions. Eventually, we’ll discover our path even if it takes us places that we never expected.

The late Brittany Murphy was always typecast as a young woman who lacked direction. However, Murphy did an amazing job finding her character’s growth. She was always genuine in her roles. Murphy's earnestness makes Abby a relatable character, and her transformation is more believable to watch.

Out of her comfort zone, and still childish in her personality, Abby has a desire to cook ramen. I like how she was willing to grow and learn. She is way over her head, however, Abby is willing to change to accommodate discipline in her life.

The Ramen Girl has one of the best boss-employee dynamics. Overcoming several boundaries, the one major limitation in language, Maezumi (Tashiyuki Nishide) won’t allow Abby to cook until she cleans up her dysfunctional lifestyle. The only way to get it right is to find her heart.

Maesumi and Reiko (Kimiko Yo) help Abby with the best methods attainable without spoiling her. Nishida's portrayal of Maezumi is equally remarkable, obtaining depth and authenticity to the character with his nuanced performance. This growing friendship was my favorite portion of the movie. Everyone needs a mentor who they can count on.

Filmed in Japan, The Ramen Girl showcases a positive representation of Japanese culture. I don’t know a lot about Japan so watching this film was a learning lesson for me as well. The cinematography of Japan captivates viewers with vibrant and authentic images of cities in Japan, immersing viewers in the country’s atmosphere.

Don’t be biased about Japanese culture. What do you really know about any culture until you experience it? Take time to learn about Japan and try to learn the language. I didn’t realize how ramen was valued in Japan until watching this film.

Robert Allen Ackerman paid respects to Japanese culture while also enforcing a message about how we need to experiment with passions. The only way to overcome fear is to tackle it and embrace change. The film is a delightful tribute to the country's culinary heritage and the spirit of perseverance.

Food is the center focus of The Ramen Girl which is why filmmakers spoiled its presence to viewers. Ramen is an iconic dish in Japan. Food is perfect comfort. That’s another reason why I put this film on my list. Lately, I have been driven to culinary films. We can form connections through food to which Abby finally feels a sense of harmony.

Another message that cannot be overlooked is seeking independency. Create something for yourself. Nobody quite knows what they are doing with life so it’s okay to take the time to figure things out.

You won’t be disappointed if you watch The Ramen Girl. I actually wanted to eat a bowl of ramen once this film concluded it looked so appetizing. Whether you’re a food lover, a fan of the late Brittany Murphy, or both then put this must-watch on your list.