Sweet Bean

Synopsis

Sweet Bean is a heartwarming Japanese drama film released in 2015, directed by Naomi Kawase. The story follows the unlikely friendship between a dorayaki pancake vendor named Sentaro and an elderly woman named Tokue with a secret recipe for the perfect sweet bean paste. As their bond deepens over the shared love of making dorayaki, they discover the importance of acceptance, kindness, and finding beauty in the simple things in life. With stunning cinematography capturing the serene cherry blossom season in Japan, Sweet Bean is a poignant tale that explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the bittersweet realities of life.

Cast

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  Kirin Kiki

  Tokue

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  Masatoshi Nagase

  Sentaro

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  Kyara Uchida

  Wakana

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  Miki Mizuno

  Wakana's Mother

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  Etsuko Ichihara

  Yoshiko

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  Miyoko Asada

  Shop Owner's Wife

Reviews

Sweet Bean has garnered positive reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 60/100, showing a mixed response. The New York Times praised the film for its 'gentle, contemplative storytelling that leaves a lasting impact' (IMDb rating: 7.4/10). The Guardian highlighted the 'sweetness and depth' in the performances of the cast, particularly Kirin Kiki, whose portrayal of Tokue adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. Rotten Tomatoes also gave a solid 85% approval rating based on critical consensus. Despite some critics finding the pacing slow, the overall sentiment is that Sweet Bean is a touching and beautifully crafted film that resonates with viewers on an emotional level.