Rinco, a young Japanese girl, runs away from home (and when you catch sight of her mother you soon know why), and she is bought up by her odd but nice grandmother who instills in her a real passion for cooking. So much so that by the time Granny dies she scrapes together enough money to open her own restaurant which her cute boyfriend then absconds with and then destitute Rinco has no where to turn too but her Ma’s. Her mother lives in a remote village in a small house that she shares with her pet pig Hermes who she totally dotes on. Penniless Rinco sets about clearing her mothers shed and making that into a restaurant with one single table, and without any menu serves up lovingly prepared dishes which she claims will grant the hearts desire of the diners who seemingly appear from nowhere. Meanwhile her mother, dressed up to the nines, works (?) in the village bar which never has more than 3 patrons, and where she claims that she is still a virgin and that Rinco was the result on an immaculate conception: which I can so relate too!
R.T.V. This is a delightful quirky and wistful wee movie that has quintessential Japanese eccentricity and magical fantasy about it, which makes it so utterly charming. And with so much beautiful photographed cooking it is a must for any real foodies … but eat first, otherwise you’ll be dribbling … just as I was.
★★★★★★★
