a beautiful and endearing film

Author: planktonrules from Bradenton, Florida
16 August 2005

This Taiwanese movie is about the best film I have seen about the generational gap between traditional and modern Chinese cultures. The father in the movie is a widower and a superb cook who has unfortunately begun to lose his sense of taste--needing to have his assistants taste his food to get the flavor right. Much of the movie centers on the love life of him as well as his daughters, as well as the older man's friendship with a cute neighbor girl and her mother.

I loved this movie because the material was handled so gently and realistically--making you really care about most of the characters. About the only one you DON'T care for is the obnoxious older lady that has set her sights on Dad! (quelle connasse !!)How the many relationships are resolved is masterful and provided me with a good laugh! This is a terrific movie for anyone looking for a slice of life, a movie about world cultures or someone wanting to watch a cute romantic movie. Guys--relax!!! You'll enjoy this one, too!