‘The Ramen Girl‘ is a 2006 romantic comedy directed by Robert Allan Ackerman based on a screenplay by Becca Topol. It is co-produced by the film’s star Brittany Murphy.

Abby (Brittany Murphy) has moved to Tokyo, Japan to be with her boyfriend Ethan (Gabriel Mann), who breaks up with her after he gets a job in another city. Heartbroken, Abby finds herself wandering the city and finding herself in a ramen restaurant owned by chef Maezumi (Toshiyuki Nishida) and his wife Reiko (Kimiko Yo). Abby finds herself drawn to the place, especially after seeing how customers react emotionally to the meals. She begs Maezumi to let her study under him so she can learn to cook ramen. He agrees, but his harsh ways bother her. Through her friends Gretchen (Tammy Blanchard) and Charlie (Daniel Evans) she meets a Japanese businessman Toshi (Sohee Park) whom she romantically involves with. As Maezumi continues to train Abby as a ramen chef, their mutual stubbornness begins to develop a friendship.

The main cast is well put together. Toshiyuki Nishida and Kimiko Yo were excellent as the power couple who owns the ramen shop. Nishida playing the harsh, lovable grump with Yo balancing him out as the sweet, encouraging co-owner. Sohee Park was also good as the love interest, bringing in a well-rounded cast.

As for Brittany Murphy, she played the role of a girl who is looking for love in all of the wrong places to excellence. It was definitely tailored-made for her and she acts it out very well. It was such a shame how the world tragically lost Murphy in 2009. She was a talented person and always brought a charm to her roles.

I will say, the plot is pretty good. It keeps you interested and has lots of funny moments for that sort of “fish out of water” genre of comedy. Those sort of culture clashes done in that humorous way while also keeping the drama flowing was well-written. Now, the two friends played by Blanchard and Evans, respectively, just sort of disappear. Everyone else has a decent ending at least, but both my wife and I found ourselves asking, “what about her friends,” when the movie film ended. Outside of that, the plot was charming, heartwarming, and pulls you into the tale.

Bottom line, Brittany Murphy was a beautiful soul who was taken from this world way too early. The Ramen Girl definitely shows it. The film is a charming tale about a girl trying to find her place in this world.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Foul language, Brief sexual content

FAVORITE QUOTE: I don’t know anything about love. Every time I feel it, it’s gone, it disappears and all I have left is pain and sadness.

Check out the trailer below:

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