JSB Film Club: Sweet Bean (2015)

This month the JSB Film Club will discuss Sweet Bean (2015), directed by Naomi Kawase.

Sweet Bean is a delicious red bean paste, the sweet heart of the dorayaki pancakes that Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) sells from his little bakery to a small but loyal clientele. Absorbed in sad memories and distant thoughts, Sentaro cooks with skill but without enthusiasm. When seventy-six-year-old Tokue (Kirin Kiki) responds to his ad for an assistant and cheerfully offers to work for a ridiculously low wage, Sentaro is skeptical about the eccentric old lady's ability to endure the long hours. But when she shows up early one morning and reveals to him the secret to the perfect sweet bean paste, Sentaro agrees to take her on. With Tokue's new home cooked sweet bean paste recipe, Sentaro's business begins to flourish, but Tokue is afflicted with an illness that, once revealed, drives her into isolation once again. (Synopsis from Kino Lorber)

Watch the trailer here. 

Films should be viewed independently in advance of our meetings. Find the film available to stream online or check out your local library.

The Japan Society of Boston Film Club meets on the last Wednesday of every other month to discuss great classic and contemporary Japanese films. The purpose of our club is to support the community of Japan enthusiasts in the New England region by creating a space for thoughtful and sociable discussion.

The JSB Film Club Website has supplementary materials for past films available to members. See the JSB Member Portal for the code to access the blog!

The club is limited to Japan Society of Boston Members. Interested in joining but not yet a Member of the Japan Society of Boston? Consider becoming a member today!