Eat Drink Man Woman
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Movie Reviews of Eat Drink Man Woman
Movie Review: A Day with Yin Shi Nan Nu
Summary: 5 Stars
MGM's horrendous DVD releases of late are all forgiven when you take one look at the sparkling release that is 'Yin Shi Nan Nu' (aka 'Eat Drink Man Woman'), a 1994 Taiwanese film that is gaining renewed recognition, mainly because its from the same person who directed 'Wo Hu Cang Long' (aka 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon'). Of all the food-themed movies on DVD thus far, this is definitely my favorite, and while not as layered and grippingly bizarre as its' Japanese counterpart 'Tampopo', it does have its' moments, and the fitting climax ties in very neatly with the plotline.Ang Lee is a truly gifted film-maker, and this is most evident in his Chinese-language work. I shudder to think that hes actually gone and accepted a big studio's proposal to direct 'The Hulk'. Lee's work in the early 1990s, such as this little gem, is well worth investing in. Personally, I find movies of this sort well worth watching - in fact, I've watched this film four times in two different countries and each time realize how it stands the test of time.
The storyline is simple - a master chef widower lives in a big house with his three daughters - one is an executive, another is a teacher, the last is a high school student. The film attempts to tie together all their love-lives, a plot that could go horribly wrong and could look tedious, in the wrong hands. Fortunately, Lee refrains from overtures such as the lush but irritating ones sported by 'The Scent of Green Papaya', and handles this film with a great degree of respect for the medium, and respect for the audience.
First off, this movie will probably sit best with lovers of Chinese food. The DVD quality enhances the picture - if you own the VHS version or saw the version broadcast by Bravo, you haven't seen the film at all. Colors are crisp and bright, and reds, greens and yellows jump off the screen with great joy. Watching the Chef Chu prepare his food is extremely delightful - and if you are a cook you may learn something new - but it could also lead to hunger pangs. Also, this is NOT the movie to watch if you're vegetarian - chinese cuisine in this movie leans heavily upon non-vegetarian items, so if you're into tofu and spring onions, you may want to pick up a copy of 'Chutney Mary' instead. 'Eat Drink Man Woman's kitchen scenes are overflowing with chicken, peking duck, szechuan lamb and succulent seafood. The banquet scenes are breathtaking, and the attention to preparation of the family dinners are sensational.
Not many people know this, but 'Eat Drink Man Woman' is part of The Ang Lee Trilogy, which comprises of 'Pushing Hands', 'The Wedding Banquet' and this film. All these films have a 'father' theme, and the father in all the movies are played by the same gentleman, Sihung Lung. Its not especially great acting (Lung looks like hes playing the same father in all three movies, even though he IS supposed to be playing different characters) but the talented ensemble cast make all the difference.
The film also introduces us to the Westernization of the Orient - Taiwan is indeed a beautiful place, and it also paints a charming picture of the Taiwanese school system. That a picture can address all these themes and still walk away successful, is testament to Ang Lee's brilliant direction and screenplay.
On DVD, 'Eat Drink Man Woman' will probably never look better, unless of course its presented in a Superbit Collection, which may really never happen. The only problem I had with it is that theres not a whole lot of extra features. However, the main feature here is a new documentary with Ang Lee that goes on for nearly 20 minutes where he takes us through his creative process at the time. This is captivating, as Ang transports us back to 1994's Taiwan, and takes us on a tour of the film. I would recommend that you watch this documentary after you actually sit through the film as it helps you appreciate the movie a bit more.
The other extra on the DVD is a trailer set for the film. These are not very special, and you can tell that they have aged. However, its great to have them available in any format, so I am glad. The best thing about the DVD then, is the movie itself. I am not sure that many Chinese language films have been given such excellent treatment by an American studio, considering that they almost never make a profit in the digital medium (unless of course its something as overpriced as 'In the mood for Love' which is fast becoming one of Criterion's bestselling discs this year). Time and time again, I was taken in by the beautiful hues and shades that have been brought to life once again on this DVD release.
If you're a lover of world cinema, 'Eat Drink Man Woman' is certainly a film that you need to obtain on DVD. I prefer this to 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon' and also 'The Wedding Banquet'. And considering that its being released at discount price to begin with, its obvious that its a great deal. If you are interested in the other films in this trilogy, you can currently get them only on VHS. It surprised me that 'Pushing Hands' was actually once released on DVD in the US, but is now out of print. And 'The Wedding Banquet' is also not available on DVD. Lets hope that MGM gets around to putting them on digital disc as soon as possible.
All in all, this is a selection that is worthy of a place in a world cinema lover's library. It has immense repeat value, and you may pick up a few kitchen skills along the way!
Movie Review: When Love Equals a Chinese Feast ...
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is a feast for the eyes and senses. It will have almost *all* viewers drooling with delight and desire as Mr. Chen prepares his ritual Sunday meal for his three grown daughters and occasionally a friend and neighbor. Mr. Chen is a widower, a retired chef from a famous Chinese restaurant in Taiwan. He continues this traditional family gathering as a way of communicating his love for his daughters. As a Chinese male and head of household, it is awkward for him to express his true feelings without a mother figure in the house. The problem is - his daughters are adults and each has her own unique identity. Each of them needs to grow in her own directon and express her own individuality - this is when the fun really begins, as one by one in the film, the viewer is privileged to learn about the daughters' lives. Little does Mr. Chen realize just how modern his obedient daughters are and just exactly what events are transpiring behind the scenes in their lives to which he is *not* privvy ... until ...one by one their lives are revealed to his surprise. However, what is really amazing is - Mr. Chen is more modern than his *own* daughters realize and he has a few tricks up his sleeve which catch them unaware as well!
There are many wonderful themes explored in this complex film which to be fully appreciated should be viewed several times for maximum enjoyment. There is love, hope, survival, lonliness, friendship, death, betrayal, family values, and so much more. There is so much depth to this film that a lot can and likely will be missed, despite the fact it is a two hour film, it zooms by very fast. Mr. Chen's role is much deeper than one realizes, so the unfocused mind is overwhelmed by sensual data. Truly, several viewings will be needed and this is realized *only* after having viewed the film two or three times. The eldest and most beautiful daughter is a company executive for an airline. She is highly successful and offered a promotion to become a Vice President for the firm but it involves moving to the Amsterdam office. She is a modern career woman and carrying on an affair with a free-spirited Chinese artist. Little does she know what tricks her boyfriend has in store for her while she plays the role of single successful woman. Her life seems the most on track and the film reveals just how much of an illusion this viewpoint is. The middle daughter is more plain looking. She graduated with a college major in chemistry and teaches at a local boy's high school. She uses religion as an escape and became a Christian. She listens to Christian hymns even when waiting for the bus and traveling to and from work. Her "old maid" status is not lost on her teenaged male students who play a practical joke on her which went overboard and caused her great embarrassment. Amazingly enough, the new boy's volleyball coach greets the chemistry teacher and asks her to attend the team's games. He rides a motor cycle and is very cool. She does not know what to make of his overtures. It is when the students in her chemistry class play the practical joke on her that Chou Ming Dao, the coach comes to her rescue and a different kind of *chemistry* occurs between them. Something magical and unexpected develops. The middle plain daughter engages in uncharacteristic behaviors but due to her Christian beliefs, she follows her heart as well as the tenets of her faith but the outcome is totally unpredictable. She shocks her family with her announcement at the Sunday traditional family meal ... The third daughter is the youngest. She works at fast food restaurant and unlike her older sisters shows no promise to become college educated. She has a best friend whose boyfriend keeps hanging around the restaurant. The friend indicates she is making her boyfriend suffer and she feigns not being interested in him, very convincingly so. The youngest daughter advises the young man on love and matters of the heart, to the point of his realizing *she* is a better catch than his original love. There are many unpredictable twists and turns in the plot as each daughter works out her life circumstances based on her own interests and values ...
Meanwhile they are hoping that their dad will get together with Jin Rong's mother who returned to Taiwan after living in the USA. Jin Rong is a pretty young neighbor who is undergoing a divorce from her husband who cheated by having an affair. Her mother is returned to live with her and help raise Shan Shan her school aged daughter. Her mother could not get used to the culture shock of her other daughter having married outside the Chinese culture. It is quite clear, Jin Rong's mother has designs on Mr. Chen. Mr. Chen's daughters are encouraging these feelings. Mr. Chen pulls off one of the biggest unexpected and unpredictable surprise endings which truly makes this film one of the best I have viewed in a long time. This is a most highly recommended film. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]
Movie Review: Tantalizing Cuisine and Family Drama in Taiwan
Summary: 5 Stars
Sunday dinner at master chef Chu's home resembles a spectacular banquet you would only expect at a gourmet restaurant. He works tirelessly to prepare a feast for his daughters who hardly seem to appreciate his culinary skills.
Jia-Jen (Kuei-Mei-Yang) is a chemistry teacher who has discovered Christianity, Jia-Chen (Chien-Lien Wu), is an airline executive who is in love with a man who will never marry her and Jia-Ning (Yu-Wen Wang) has her eye on a friend?s boyfriend.
The basic plot centers around a father who is not only trying to find a new life but is watching all his daughters leave and start their own lives.
Indirectly we also learn a great deal about men through the relationships the daughters pursue. We have a man who is living the bachelor lifestyle, a naive lover who is just learning about the games women play and a man who is willing to change religions to get the girl of his dreams.
This movie is deliciously dramatic with some deeply religious themes. I was pleasantly surprised with the light humor which was not at all offensive. You also see three lifestyles presented by the daughters showing how they each deal with their libidinous whims. The most unexpected twists and turns appear, making the plot entirely entertaining.
While chef Chu finds ways to show his love to his daughters, he is especially estranged from one of his daughters who only communicates with him through criticism of his food. There is a scene later in the movie which shows the father using this same tactic to communicate his love to his daughter.
Some of the comedy is all in the facial expressions. I especially loved the part where chef Chu is trying to eat the inedible lunch and where the children in his adopted granddaughter's classroom are all placing orders for lunch. As a woman, I could not help laughing when he pulls out the nylons and bras all tied up together in the washer.
I?m always complaining about the lack of chef themes in movies. If you are hungry for movies with cooking themes, add this movie to your must-see menu. You almost have to watch this movie twice. Once with the subtitles and the second time just to view all the tantalizing dishes master chef Chu (Sihung Lung) prepares.
This movie reminded me of "The Scent of Green Papaya" (1994). However, "Eat Drink Man Woman" excels in the presentation of the cuisine, while "The Scent of Green Papaya" was more poetic in its presentation. This movie is a visual feast. All I want to know now is where is the cookbook so I can learn how to make that dragon?
Playful romance, creative cuisine, deep rivers of emotional drama and original comedy are the ingredients that make this movie a satisfying feast for the heart and soul.
Three words to take Very Seriously "before" watching this movie: Order Chinese Food!
Don't say we didn't warn you. ;)
Also look for: Babette's Feast, Like Water for Chocolate, Simply Irresistible and Chocolat (Miramax Collector's Series).
~The Rebecca Review
Movie Review: Man and Woman Make Love Here Before They Eat and Drink
Summary: 5 Stars
My title suggests that this film is hedonistic but nothing could be further from the case. This film is, to be sure, sensuous in every sense of the word but it explores family relations in a meaningful and believable way. I've seen this film more times than I can remember over the past decade, mostly with mainland Chinese students. Each time I view it I find something more to appreciate, which to me marks a great film experience. In my estimation, this is Lee Ang's finest film, far surpassing the better known "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" in storyline and characterization. Yes, the traditional Chinese cooking is a feast for the eyes and indeed you may work up a healthy appetite if you view this film at the wrong time of the day. But there is far more than culinary delight to this film than many of the superficial reviews here would suggest. This is essentially a story about a father who is trying to find meaning in his life separate from his intimate family relationships (i.e. three rather willful daughters). In some sense, he is a kind of King Lear, but without the tragic baggage. A widower and retired gourmet chef, the father tries to keep his daughters near him by cooking a veritable emperor's banquet for them each Sunday. Although the daughters all live at home, they lead busy urban lives in Taipei and so the weekly ritual tends to crimp their style. Still, there is much "comfort food" here in both the dishes served and the words spoken. But don't get the impression that this film is maudlin in tone; it does not, in fact, take itself too seriously and there are ample moments of earthy Chinese humor (which translates rather well across cultures) and surprise leading to farce. The pace of the film is as rapid as the final meal preparations, in keeping with Chinese custom of serving everything quickly and as fresh as possible (no egg rolls here). For this we have fabulous film editing to thank and Lee Ang's gift for balancing action with dialogue, mood for mood. And far from being an artsy fartsy foreign film laden with self-conscious style, this film resonates with real characters fleshed out in real-life situations. A Taiwanese production, it avoids the stock characterization and outright stereotyping tediously depicted in most Western productions of East Asian culture. And I dare say at the risk of searching for the exotic, that this very male reviewer found most of the women in this film to be both lovely and graceful. You can enjoy this film immensely for its traditional elements and at the same time learn a lot about contemporary Chinese habits of thought, especially since its ending is anything but predictable. Indeed, it is the ending that many of my mainland Chinese students had to wrestle with, and perhaps you will too. All in all, one of the finest films of the past decade, foreign or not.Movie Review: Eat, Drink, Enjoy Life.
Summary: 5 Stars
Upon the suggestion of one of my Amazon Friends, I watched this film for the first time last night, and now I must include it among my three favorite Ang Lee films. While Academy Award-winning film director Lee is best known for his films Sense & Sensibility (1995), Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) and Brokeback Mountain (2005), he is not as well known for his films Eat Drink Man Woman, The Ice Storm, and Lust, Caution, which are my three favorite Lee films.
Among the finest Hollywood films of the Nineties, Eat Drink Man Woman portrays traditional values, modern relationships, and family conflicts in Taipei. The film tells the story of retired and widowed Chinese Master Chef Chu (Sihung Lung) and his family living in modern day Taiwan. He lives with his three lovely daughters, all of whom are single. Initially, the three daughters represent three female stereotypes: the oldest one is a religious spinster school teacher suffering from a broken heart; the middle one is driven by her career suffering from a fear of commitment; and the youngest one is a school girl who yearns to be a woman. Over the course of the film, the three daughters are forced to confront these stereotypes through their relationships with men. Master Chu ends the film with perhaps the biggest surprise of all.
I have always thought that humans are hardwired for relationships, and it's our software that creates issues. Lee's film not only illustrates this notion, but also reveals that romantic relationships are just as essential to life as eating and drinking. As the film's title suggests, relationships (and romantic relationships in particular) give life its essential meaning; or, as Master Chu says while inebriated, "to eat and drink and to have sex" is the essential recipe for our existence. As in his later films, Lee's camera shots linger over the film's visual images. Eat Drink Man Woman is a visually and emotionally stunning experience in film with a wise message. Highly recommended.
G. Merritt