The Ramen Girl: A Quirky Dish with Heart

Ah, “The Ramen Girl.” Who would’ve thought Brittany Murphy, bless her soul, would end up in Tokyo with a pair of chopsticks trying to master the art of ramen? It’s a film that’s as much about noodles as it is about finding oneself and sometimes, life’s best lessons come in the form of steaming bowls of broth.

Directed by Robert Allan Ackerman, this movie’s got that fish-out-of-water charm. Brittany’s character, Abby, winds up in Tokyo after a breakup. And guess who’s there to guide her with tough love and even tougher noodles? The formidable Toshiyuki Nishida, a seasoned chef who could give my old gran’s köttbullar a run for their money. His shouts alone could probably cook an egg.

It’s a bit funny how Abby’s adventure reminded me of my first trip to Japan, back in ‘93. I was at this tiny ramen shop, eyes bigger than my belly. I somehow managed to order the spiciest ramen on the menu. One slurp and I was a sweating mess, causing laughs amongst the locals. That’s when I realized food’s the best kind of universal language. This film kinda gives off that vibe – bridging cultures, one bowl at a time.

Murphy’s genuine vulnerability makes you root for her, even when you know she’s about to make a mess of things. The humor is soft, like when you spill fil on the breakfast table but it doesn’t ruin the day. But maybe the cinematic broth could’ve done with a pinch more salt—struggles that felt a little undercooked.

In the end, it’s cozy, like when the Swedish sun finally shows up in April. If you’re in the mood for something heartfelt with a touch of soy sauce, this might just be your bowl of ramen. But watch out, you might want noodles after.

Check the trailer below