The 1985 film Tampopo is a fun classic from Japan by the great director Itami.
Widow Tampopo operates a failing ramen restaurant along a highway. Gorô is a truck driver inspired by the American West, with his cowboy hat, a truck festooned by a set of bull horns and his sidekick Gun in an early roe for Ken Watanabe.
He becomes inspired to work with her to improve her ramen. After a few comic twists, plenty of slapstick and wry commentary on Japanese cultural foibles, Tampopo's ramen shop becomes a national phenomenon. In the last scene, he rides his truck off into the sunset. It is a spaghetti Western!
Umi Organic Ramen Noodles with Hapa PDX Broth will be served to filmgoers as supplies last. It is also a benefit for the Oregon Food Bank. It is a presentation by the Portland Museum of Modern Art and Mississippi Records. Advance tickets strongly recommended.
At the Hollywood Theater www.hollywoodtheatre.org 4122 NE Sandy 7:30 $9
