Noodlemania a.k.a. Tompopo

Tompopo was fucking mental from start to finish. It's all about ramen and a sensuous passion for all things foody in Japan. We celebrated this flick outdoors at our friend Shane's place on a projector screen under the stars and a steaming hot bowl of delish ramen prepared by our gracious hosts. Tip of the cap by the way.

I'm writing this review late af so the details of the film are hazy. Also you've all probably read the various reviews already in circulation so I'll keep this sensibly short.

The story follows the transformation of a modest and initially ill-skilled ramen chef by the name of, you guessed it, TOMPOPO, into a successful, erm, ramen chef. Two truckers transporting sour milk arrive fresh off the highway to kick start the main story which was preceded by a meta introduction by two impassioned lovers, who also love food. These two endearing nutjobs punctuate the main narrative throughout with scenes of sexual depravity involving more than your garden variety of edibles. The yolk snowball scene was most tantalising.

Anyhow, Tompopo, with the help of a band of misfits including a frenemy (one of the regulars who fancied Tompopo) transfigures into a beautifully successful Ramen chef. Cheers all round. The truck driver with a cowboy hat - the arguable leader of the outfit - then potter's off down the highway with his tankard of sour milk. Probably to harass another unsuspecting vendor.

It was surprisingly hilarious and informative as I had no idea what to expect but certainly didn't expect that.

5 tankards of sour milk out of 5