Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2013

Director Yuki Tanada has a number of feature films under her belt, but nothing she’s done prepares us for the sensitivity and insight of Shijukunichi No Recipe (Mourning Recipe). It unfolds much like any typical Japanese family drama, but Tanada takes the style in different directions and touches us in a much more profound way. Recently widowed Ryohei is now living alone and preparing for the 49th day Buddhist memorial service for his deceased wife when daughter Yuriko (Hiromi Nagasaku) returns home after giving divorce papers to her cheating husband. Yuriko has been caring for her hubby’s ailing mother and feels guilt at abandoning ship despite the unfaithfulness. Add into the mix Imo (Fumi Nikaido), a chirpy teenager who tries to make everything easier for Ryohei, and Haru (Masaki Okada), and the dynamics are set to bring up regret, grief and joy. As with all good films the realizations and touching moments flow from the script and the character development. They seem utterly unforced and this makes Mourning Recipe a joy to consume. (129 min.)