A Tale of Samurai Cooking: A True Love Story is a story of love and dignity. Directed by Yuzo Asahara, the film is based on real-life, father-and-son "samurai chefs" from the Edo period (1603-1867). Their recipes are still used today.
After a failed marriage, Haru (Aya Ueto) is asked by a samurai chef to marry his son, Yasunobu (Kengo Kora). Yasunobu dreams of becoming a samurai on the battlefield, not in the kitchen.
The story follows Yasunobu and Haru and their different attitudes to cooking. As their relationship develops, their love for each other also strengthens.
At first, both are reluctant. Haru doesn't want to remarry, and Yasunobu doesn't want to give up his dreams to become a chef. In fact, he's pretty useless in the kitchen.
But when they are asked to cook for a high-ranking political leader, they begin to understand the importance of their job, and the true meaning of love.
For foodies, this movie offers interesting details of how dishes were prepared in the Edo period. It's even been selected for the Culinary Cinema section at this year's Berlin International Film Festival in Germany.