Flavour Of Green Tea Over Rice, The DVD

A Film by Yasujiro Ozu

Takeo, a bored and flighty socialite, is sick of her dull husband: an uninspiring yet reliable company executive who was raised in the country. Cruelly referring to him as "Dull-chan", Takeo leaves for a giggly weekend away with some girlfriends, where they swap stories about their boring husbands over cups of sake. Takeo's niece Setsuko?who is visiting while her mother arranges a marriage for her?accompanies the women on their retreat and, disturbed by this glimpse of her own future, becomes disenchanted with the prospect of an arranged marriage.

The film's title refers to an inexpensive Japanese dish, with the reference serving to remind the characters and the audience about life's simple pleasures. Just as the characters appreciate the delicate flavour of green tea over rice, so may we enjoy the delicacy of Ozu's masterful direction, and marvel at the simplicity of his minimalist approach.