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What's for Dinner, Mom?

What's for Dinner, Mom? (2017)

Feb 11, 2017 1h 57m Drama

Two sisters Tae and Yo come back to their old house which is soon to be torn down. Clearing up the family mementos, Tae finds a red box full of recipes and letters written by their mother who died 20 years ago. In these recipes and letters, she finds out how her mother had struggled in her life due to relocation from Japan to Taiwan, the death of her Taiwanese husband, and a battle with cancer. Tae travels to Taiwan to trace her mother's past, reminiscing about the dishes she made for the family.

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Directed by Mitsuhito Shiraha

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Mitsuhito Shiraha
Producer
  • Hiroyuki Takase

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, What's for Dinner, Mom? examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Mitsuhito Shiraha brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of What's for Dinner, Mom? took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 160 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The costume department created over 139 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While What's for Dinner, Mom? shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Doctor Bethune, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, What's for Dinner, Mom? offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Miracle Worker and The Queen explore similar territory, What's for Dinner, Mom? stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: February 11, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 57m

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