«Prev From Dec 1, '25 to Dec 31, '25 Next»
9771
Celebrating Yōjirō Takita
Wed Dec 24, 7:00 PM
Lamakaan
So, as the winter evenings in December unfold at Lamakaan, audiences will journey through Takita’s cinematic universe—where humor, history, and humanity converge. Each Wednesday promises not just a film screening, but an immersion into the delicate art of storytelling that made Yōjirō Takita a legend.
About the Director: Yōjirō Takita, born on December 4, 1955. Known worldwide for his Academy Award-winning masterpiece Departures (2008), Takita’s journey from comic pink films to historical epics and deeply human dramas reflects a rare versatility. His works resonate because they transform intimate Japanese traditions into universal stories, inviting audiences to reflect on life, death, and the quiet dignity of human connection. Takita’s style is marked by emotional subtlety and cultural depth, weaving humor, ritual, and tenderness into cinematic experiences that linger long after the screen fades. His impact lies in bridging tradition with modern storytelling, proving that local narratives can achieve global acclaim.
Film Title: THE LAST RECIPE | 2017 | 126 Mins | Japan | Japanese Language with English Subtitles
About the film: The film follows Mitsuru Sasaki, a once world-class chef gifted with the rare ability to recreate any dish after tasting it just once. Having lost his passion and driven into bankruptcy by his pursuit of perfection, he begins offering “last meals” to wealthy clients at exorbitant prices. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is tasked with uncovering a legendary recipe created in 1930s Manchuria by Naotaro Yamagata, a chef whose culinary genius was entwined with Japan’s turbulent history. As Sasaki retraces the recipe’s journey across time and continents, he confronts themes of memory, legacy, and the soul of cooking itself. Blending food, mystery, and historical drama, The Last Recipe serves up a story where cuisine becomes a bridge between generations and a vessel of human connection.
Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!
About the Director: Yōjirō Takita, born on December 4, 1955. Known worldwide for his Academy Award-winning masterpiece Departures (2008), Takita’s journey from comic pink films to historical epics and deeply human dramas reflects a rare versatility. His works resonate because they transform intimate Japanese traditions into universal stories, inviting audiences to reflect on life, death, and the quiet dignity of human connection. Takita’s style is marked by emotional subtlety and cultural depth, weaving humor, ritual, and tenderness into cinematic experiences that linger long after the screen fades. His impact lies in bridging tradition with modern storytelling, proving that local narratives can achieve global acclaim.
Film Title: THE LAST RECIPE | 2017 | 126 Mins | Japan | Japanese Language with English Subtitles
About the film: The film follows Mitsuru Sasaki, a once world-class chef gifted with the rare ability to recreate any dish after tasting it just once. Having lost his passion and driven into bankruptcy by his pursuit of perfection, he begins offering “last meals” to wealthy clients at exorbitant prices. His life takes a dramatic turn when he is tasked with uncovering a legendary recipe created in 1930s Manchuria by Naotaro Yamagata, a chef whose culinary genius was entwined with Japan’s turbulent history. As Sasaki retraces the recipe’s journey across time and continents, he confronts themes of memory, legacy, and the soul of cooking itself. Blending food, mystery, and historical drama, The Last Recipe serves up a story where cuisine becomes a bridge between generations and a vessel of human connection.
Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is free and open to all!