In the bottom of the globe where nothing seemed to exist, not even a virus, eight men were assigned to conduct a research leaving their family or loved ones behind. They thought that having such privilege were the greatest achievement that they’d ever have, but as days passed by, different emotions played with they’re minds. There were happy, sad, frustrated, and silent times, but with anything that came their way, there was this one thing that would always keep them motivated: food.
It was Jun Nishiruma, a navy cook, who was assigned to cook for the men. The movie, The Chef of the South Pole, was actually driven by him. Each man had different characteristics, just like any family, they got together during meal time. Each food he makes is done with carefully with love and care. Each food was delicate. He’d take pleasure seeing the crew eat his food with joy. The food was the men’s source of strength.
The film simply showed how those men lived at an isolated place; how they fought each day from being sorrowful, and how they strengthened their friendship. They were set at Dome Fuji Station at the heart of Antarctica.
The characters also did greatly and effectively. According to Catherine Munroe Hotes, “Sakai is the master of subtle expression, and his comedic talents are balanced by an amusingly diverse cast of characters who deal with their isolation from home comforts in a variety of ways: the doctor (Kosuke Toyohara) decides to train for a triathlon in undershorts, mittens, and boots in the freezing cold on a bicycle, taichō (Kitarō ) goes hilariously balmy when the station runs out ramen, and the chief of the station (Kanji Furuda) longs for long hot times in the bathroom due to the rationing of water.”
The use of music was also appropriate in accordance with the scenes. The music in a way helped in the suspension of disbelief. Not that the film wasn’t true; it dragged the people along making it seem that they were in it too.
The cinematography was done exquisitely. The framing plus the shots were very good that it made it believable. I would also credit the way the food scenes were taken. Each scene made me hungry every time it was shown. I personally do not like Japanese food but this film made me crave to have some.
The telephone symbolizes the communication they have with their families. It was clearly shown that it was their only way to connect with their loved ones. The snow symbolized how the men tried to overcome their sorrows, being cold. They had to be cold to survive such an isolated place. The necklace that the chef wore, containing his eight years old daughter’s tooth, symbolizes the love and the memory that he has of his family. The Food symbolizes the men’s motivation to continue. It was their source of strength. This could clearly be seen in two scenes from the film where first, one got too depressed to know that they ran out of ramen; and second, as they were gathering ice for water, they cheered “fried lobster” each time they dug. It warmth of the food touched their hearts regardless of the temperature.
Over all, the film was great. It has turned a film that was thought to be melodramatic into an enjoyable one. It was something unusual in Filipino and American films which we Filipinos are used of watching. I do advice viewers to eat before watching the film to prevent themselves from extreme envy and hunger.
No comments:
Post a Comment