Movie Digest
Kazuki Suzumoto is divorced and lives with his 15-year-old son, Kouki. He promises Kouki that he will make him a lunch box if he never skips school. Being estranged from one another, a simple promise from both father and son brings about the importance of food in reuniting people.
The Feel-Good Part
There is a subtle change in the dynamics of the relationship between Kazuki and Kouki that happens over time. It may appear slow and lacking pace but it is noticeable in small efforts from Kazuki as he tries to solidify his position as a father when he promises to make his son a lunch box every day in response to Kouki’s simple remark of preferring his father’s lunch boxes over lunch from a convenience store.
The Disappointing Factor
The characters change in a subtle way to fit the father-son dynamic but do not seem to address the elephant in the room- the reason for their estrangement in the first place. It is suggested that this is how their relationship has always been leaving viewers to question how their relationship gets mended over time and for the future as well.
In-Depth Analysis
The movie is an adaptation of Toshimi Watanabe’s autobiographical essay “461 Ko no Bento wa, Oyaji to Musuko no Otoko no Yakusoku”. The movie’s cinematography is set against the minimalistic backdrop of Japan and focuses on various scenes that highlight their cuisine providing a fair impact of the food on the plot.
Love is expressed through the art of food-making apart from food breaking down the invisible barriers that enclose the characters. There are a few moments that tap into your emotionality a bit leaving you craving for more.
Star Power
Yoshihiko Inohara effortlessly pulls off the role of being a carefree musician in his element which in turn lets him portray a nonchalant parent, in one aspect but also a lightsome individual. While Shunsuke Michieda plays the part of a typical teenager, with his monotonous expression visibly showing his disinterest in his studies but being forlorn from his lack of friends and his father’s lack of affection for him.
Overall Opinion
The film lets the characters speak volumes through their dynamics and their struggles with its grounded, low-budget ceiling and subtle development through the writing.
