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Sweet Bean (PG)

Gorgeously shot and wonderfully performed this graceful, delicate and compassionate drama is named after a delicious red paste in the middle of the dorayaki pancakes that Sentaro (Masatoshi Nagase) sells from his bakery to a small but loyal clientele. A remote man, absorbed in difficult memories, Sentaro cooks with skill but without much enthusiasm.

When eccentric 76-year-old Tokue (Kirin Kiki) responds to his ad for an assistant, cheerfully agreeing to work for minimal pay, Sentaro is skeptical about her abilities. But when she shows up early one morning and reveals to him the secret to the perfect sweet bean paste, he agrees to take her on.

Kawase balances elements of sadness and tragedy against those of hope and wisdom in this gentle, unassuming but profoundly affecting tale.

Selected to open the Un Certain Regard section at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival.

‘An ode to the simple joys of life’
THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

Showing Times

Thu 8 Sep | 7.30pm

Sat 10 Sep | 6.30pm

Venue: Studio 74, Exeter Phoenix