Sukiyaki

About This Movie

Sukiyaki (2011) has this quirky charm that lingers. Tetsu Maeda takes us into a prison setting where Kenta’s simple meals and his status as the 'newcomer' create a light, almost absurd atmosphere. The way the inmates bicker over food feels both comedic and a bit poignant. The performances, especially by Tasuku Nagaoka, have this honest energy, capturing the mix of despair and camaraderie. The pacing is leisurely, allowing the humor to unfold naturally rather than rushing to punchlines. It might not be for everyone, but there’s something refreshing about its take on mundane prison life through a comedic lens, contrasting nicely with the seriousness of incarceration. It’s definitely a unique piece in the genre.

Released on DVD in Japan, 2012.Runtime: 103 minutes.Japanese audio with English subtitles available.Filmed primarily in a single location.