Review: Juzo Itami paints a fantastic picture with "Tampopo", one that is equal parts sprawling city love story and an homage to Westerns. Many other parodies lie within the story, which is one of the high points of the film. The plot is simple, allowing the exploration and introduction of a much wider variety of characters, including many random side stories that are inexplicably included.

A comedy through and through, "Tampopo" presents characters that are both believable, compassionate and hilarious at the same time. Goro, played by Tsutomo Yamazaki is the quintessential Western saloon style bad ass, cowboy hat and all. He's a lover and a fighter, so ladies watch out! Seriously though, Yamazaki steals the show. His partner Gun doesn't really have too much presence in the film, at least nothing comparable, though he acts out the laid back sidekick part well. Rounding out the main cast is the beautiful Nobuki Miiyamoto as the title character Tampopo. She simply glows on the screen as the owner of a not so popular noodle shop.

The rest of the secondary characters are equally memorable, and they all band together with their respective talents to help rise Tampopo's noodle shop to the top. One of the best characters is Piskin, who's instant rivalry with Goro transforms into a great partnership, as he helps Tampopo out by remodeling her shop. There's also an old wise master to assist in the crafting of perfect noodles, among a few others.

The aforementioned side stories in the film were a real treat. They all seemed to echo a different role that food played in Japanese society, ranging from objects of lust and sexual desire to the importance of food in the Japanese economy. It seemed that anytime the film would get too wrapped up in the main story, it would quickly cut to the side stories, reminding the viewer that in the end, it's all about the food. Their inclusion could come off as initially confusing to some viewers, as they have no immediate connection to the films main cast, but in the end they are the extra spices added that round out "Tampopo"s unique flavor and style.

To some it may be worth mentioning the smidgen of animal cruelty in the film, which claims one turtle. But such is the price of fine cooking. The scene is in fact simply displaying a real process they use to cook this animal, but some may find it offensive in the end, if not simply because it flies in from left field without much warning.

That said, the pacing never comes off as slow or unbalanced, and readily bounces from scene to scene with enthusiasm. It is an absolute celebration of food and its inexhaustible role in the world, but specifically Japanese society. Itami shows outright fascination with the culinary arts, and it really shines through the lens with his inventive, funny and intelligent filmmaking.

An absolutely concrete recommendation for this film simply must be made. "Tampopo" should be watched by everyone at least once, if not for its fascinating concept then for the brilliant execution. Fire up the DVD player and a hot pot full of Ramen for maximum enjoyment.