My Rating: 3.92/4 (aka You should really see this one)

One line summary: A lonely American actor in Tokyo finds human connection in an unlikely way.

The Deets: Well this was some delightful happenstance – I hadn’t heard of this movie and we had a free evening and there it was, able to strike that perfect tone between warm, sentimental, beautiful, and full of soul. And it all works, even when you think it’s being predictable and then it’s not. I remember Brendan Fraser from the early 90s in the classic “School Ties” with Matt Damon, and look how far he has come – a role with nuance, depth, and unexpected turns (confession: I haven’t yet seen his Oscar role “The Whale”). And I could drop a line about the very end, but I don’t want to ruin that moment for you. This is one that will linger with you long after the credits roll.

Perfect for: If you enjoy later career Brendan Fraser, and especially if you already like – or want to explore – modern Japanese films.

Where to watch: As of this writing, it’s still only in theaters, but I suspect it will be streaming soon.

Food pairing: I would go with a bowl of rice filled with your fish or ingredients of choice.