Review of Supermarket Woman

This movie is a good time capsule of Japanese society from Juzo Itami's perspective as a director trying to reach an international audience. He stated in interviews for his first film Tampopo that he was trying to have an American perspective on filmmaking and the statements he was making. And this film continues to carry that perspective while showing what is also clearly Japanese and true to cultural standards of the time.

For example he is much more aware of the toxic masculinity he is displaying in the relationship between the two main characters and calling into question how men treat women. But at the same time honoring the bond of relationships and the delicate nature of the human condition.

There are plenty of comical antics interspersed among tense moments of bullying and courage. Overall a light hearted film. So why not 10 stars? It really is difficult to stomach the way men treat women and the harsh line between masculine and feminine in Japanese society. It's easy to come away with a negative feeling and easy to forget having witnessed so many moments of bravery and rejuvenation of the community that the amazing Nobuko Miyamoto's character delivers in her incredible performance. She alone makes the film worth watching.