Watch White on Rice

White on Rice is an endearing comedy that follows the misadventures of a quirky Japanese family as they try to navigate their way through life. The film's protagonist, a recently divorced 40-year-old man named Jimmy (played by Hiroshi Watanabe), moves in with his sister Aiko (played by Nae) and her family in order to start over. Upon arrival, Jimmy quickly becomes infatuated with Aiko's attractive niece, Ramona (played by Mio Takada), and sets out to win her heart. However, his awkward advances don't go over well with Ramona, who has her own life and problems to deal with. Meanwhile, Aiko's husband, Tak (played by Kazumi Nakamura), struggles to keep his sushi restaurant afloat amidst the economic downturn.

As the story progresses, we get to know each member of the family, including their quirks and eccentricities. Aiko is a stern but caring matriarch who is always trying to keep her household in order. Tak is a hardworking but somewhat bumbling chef who is constantly experimenting with new sushi creations. Ramona is a free-spirited artist who is looking for love, but not necessarily from Jimmy.

The film is a character-driven comedy that explores themes like family, love, and the struggles of finding one's place in the world. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, the family dynamic is universal and relatable. The film is also beautifully shot, with vibrant colors and a whimsical soundtrack that adds to the film's light-hearted tone.

One of the film's strengths is its superb casting. Hiroshi Watanabe delivers a standout performance as the hapless Jimmy, who is both endearing and cringe-worthy at times. Nae brings depth and nuance to the role of Aiko, who is both tough and vulnerable. Mio Takada adds a touch of romance and whimsy as Ramona, while Kazumi Nakamura brings a sense of humor and humanity to the role of Tak.

The film also features a stellar supporting cast, including Lynn Chen, James Kyson Lee, and Justin Kwong. Each actor brings their own unique energy to the film, creating a tapestry of characters that is both funny and poignant.

Throughout the film, we see Jimmy struggle to find his place in the world, both romantically and professionally. Despite his flaws, he is a sympathetic character that viewers will root for. Meanwhile, Aiko and Tak try to balance their professional and personal lives, all while dealing with the challenges that come with raising their children.

White on Rice is a heartwarming comedy that will make viewers laugh and cry. It is a film about family, love, and finding your place in the world. It is a film that celebrates the quirks and eccentricities that make us who we are, and the bonds that hold us together. With its superb cast, vibrant visuals, and heartfelt story, White on Rice is a must-see film for anyone who loves a good comedy.

White on Rice is a 2009 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 45.