Synopsis
A spell of time in the life of a family in rural Tochigi prefecture. Yoshiko is not an ordinary housewife, instead working on an animated film project. Uncle Ayano, a successful music producer, is looking to get his head together after living in Tokyo. Meanwhile, Sachiko is concerned with why she seems to be followed by a giant version of herself. As the lazy days pass by, each member of the family is followed in a series of episodic vignettes.
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Cast
- Maya BannoSachiko Haruno
- Takahiro SatoHajime Haruno
- Tadanobu AsanoAyano Haruno
- Satomi TezukaYoshiko Haruno
- Tatsuya GashûinAkira Todoroki
- Tomokazu MiuraNobuo Haruno
- Anna TsuchiyaAoi Suzuishi
- Tomoko NakajimaAkira Terako
- Ikki TodorokiSelf
- Kirin KikiObaa
- 90
Chicago Reader
"Weird but cool," as one character says -- yet the movie is also remarkably touching. - 88
Chicago Tribune
The most charming comedy in town, writer-director-editor Katsuhito Ishii's 2003 piece is a modern Japanese variation on "You Can't Take It With You," with some lovely fantastical flourishes. - 75
New York Post
A tad too long, "Tea" is nevertheless touching and funny, with charming performances. You might say it's as calming as a hot cup of green tea. - 70
The New York Times
A bit of patience is required to get through The Taste of Tea, but patience is often rewarded, and it certainly is by this droll and oddly touching film. - 70
Village Voice
Warm and fantastical family portrait.