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Sweet Bean
あん
2015 113 min Japan, France, Germany 12+
★7.3
Drama
Director: Naomi Kawase
🎭 Based on
«Sweet Bean Paste»
byTetsuya Akikawa
Trailers
Description
The master of a dorayaki pastry store hires a 76-year-old woman whose talents attract customers from all over. But she's hiding a troubling secret. Life's joys are found in the little details, and no matter what may be weighing you down, everyone loves a good pastry.
US Gross:
$124,800
Worldwide:
$124,518
Starring
Kirin Kiki
Actor
Masatoshi Nagase
Actor
Kyara Uchida
Actor
Awards
Asian Film Academy 2016
— Best Actor
Cannes Film Festival 2015
— Un Certain Regard
Key opinion
Sweet Bean is a contemplative and visually rich drama that explores themes of redemption, connection, and finding beauty in simplicity. Through the gentle bond between a shop owner and an elderly woman, the film offers a poignant meditation on life, marginalization, and the importance of cherishing small moments.
| Production | The meticulous, almost magical process of crafting bean paste serves as a sensory centerpiece that elevates the film's simple narrative. | |
| Theme | The film succeeds as a deeply touching exploration of human connection, highlighting themes of shame, honor, and resilience. | |
| Culture | The story acts as a poignant, culturally specific critique of societal attitudes toward people affected by leprosy. | |
| Pacing | The deliberate, meditative pacing rewards viewers looking for a quiet, character-driven experience, though it may feel slow to those expecting a faster narrative. |