Sweet Bean 2016
Directed by
Naomi Kawase
Made by
Kino Lorber
Plot Summary
Sentaro, a middle-aged man managing a quaint dorayaki shop on the outskirts of Tokyo, finds solace in his modest business that attracts locals and school students alike. His life takes a turn when he places a notice seeking a co-worker, drawing the attention of Tokue, a fascinating woman in her mid-seventies who expresses a lifelong dream of working in a dorayaki shop. Hesitant at first due to Tokue’s deformed hands—an apparent consequence of her past—Sentaro’s perspective shifts when he samples her homemade anko (red bean paste). He is enchanted by its exceptional taste and texture, a stark contrast to the factory-made paste he had used until now. This moment of revelation prompts him to invite Tokue to join him in making bean paste, confessing his previous discontent with his own product.
With Tokue on board, business flourishes, and soon she takes on a more active role by serving customers and preparing dorayaki. However, the tide turns when patrons recognize the deformities in Tokue’s hands as a marker of leprosy, leading to a significant decline in business. As a result, Sentaro feels compelled to let her go, resulting in feelings of guilt and regret over the prejudice faced by Tokue. It is Wakana, a schoolgirl whom Sentaro has befriended, who suggests visiting Tokue at the sanatorium—a bleak reminder of the historical stigma that leprosy patients endured until the 1996 repeal of the unjust Leprosy Prevention Law. During their visit, Tokue reassures Sentaro of her gratitude for the time spent at his shop, despite the heart-wrenching circumstances.
Tragically, a few months later, Tokue passes away from pneumonia, leaving behind not only her bean paste-making equipment but also a poignant cassette tape directed at Sentaro and Wakana. Within the tape, she imparts wisdom, emphasizing that one’s value is not tied to their job but to their very existence, and encourages them to savor the sensory experiences the world has to offer.
Throughout the film, Sentaro battles the shadows of his past, particularly a grievous incident involving a pub brawl that led to his imprisonment and a hefty reparation to the victim. Underneath it all, his ties to the dorayaki shop are shackled by the loan shark who financed the reparation, a debt he struggles to repay. Yet, as the film draws to a close, we witness a transformation in Sentaro; he stands proudly at his own stall in a local park, having learned to embrace his life and circumstances despite the burdens that once weighed heavy on his heart.
Timeline
Sentaro's Peaceful Life
Sentaro, a middle-aged man, runs a small dorayaki shop on the outskirts of Tokyo. His life is simple, filled with the joys of his modest business as he serves local customers, including school students who are fond of his treats.
Seeking Help
In need of assistance, Sentaro puts up a notice looking for a co-worker. This decision marks the beginning of a significant change in his life, drawing the attention of an extraordinary woman named Tokue.
Tokue's Background
Tokue, a woman in her mid-seventies, expresses her lifelong dream of working in a dorayaki shop. Despite her deformed hands, a result of her past, she brings a unique passion for the art of making sweet bean paste.
Anko Revelation
Though hesitant about Tokue's physical condition, Sentaro tries her homemade anko and is immediately enchanted. This moment serves as a turning point, prompting him to invite her to help make bean paste for the shop.
Business Thrives
With Tokue's addition to the shop, the business flourishes. She takes a more active role, engaging customers and preparing delicious dorayaki, which invigorates Sentaro's spirits and the shop's reputation.
Decline due to Prejudice
As patrons begin to recognize Tokue's deformities as signs of leprosy, the shop faces a significant decline in customers. The prejudice against her condition deeply affects Sentaro, forcing him to contemplate her employment.
A Difficult Decision
Feeling the weight of societal judgment, Sentaro makes the painful choice to let Tokue go. This decision fills him with guilt and regret as he reflects on the discrimination she faces.
A Visit to the Sanatorium
Wakana, a schoolgirl and friend of Sentaro, encourages him to visit Tokue at the sanatorium. This visit serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the stigma leprosy patients endured, bringing Sentaro face-to-face with the impact of his decisions.
Tokue's Gratitude
During their visit, Tokue expresses her gratitude to Sentaro for the time they shared at the shop. Despite her circumstances, she reassures him of her appreciation, highlighting her resilient spirit.
The Loss of Tokue
Tragically, a few months later, Tokue passes away due to pneumonia. Her death leaves a profound impact on Sentaro, who reflects on the richness she brought into his life despite the hardships they faced.
The Cassette Tape
Before she passes, Tokue leaves behind a poignant cassette tape for Sentaro and Wakana. In it, she shares wisdom about life’s true value and encourages them to cherish their experiences beyond their jobs.
Sentaro's Past
Throughout the film, Sentaro grapples with his past, particularly a violent incident that led to his imprisonment and debt to a loan shark. This burden looms over him and complicates his relationship with the dorayaki shop.
Breaking Free
As the story progresses, Sentaro begins to confront his demons and the challenges of his past. Slowly, he learns to embrace his life and the circumstances surrounding him, finding a path towards redemption.
New Beginnings
By the film's conclusion, Sentaro stands proudly at a stall in a local park, showcasing his dorayaki. This moment signifies his transformation as he learns to appreciate life, moving forward with hope despite his previous burdens.
Characters
Sentaro
Sentaro is a middle-aged man who runs a dorayaki shop and is haunted by his past mistakes, including a violent incident that led to imprisonment. His character evolves throughout the film as he learns to embrace his life and finds redemption through his relationship with Tokue and Wakana. Sentaro’s journey reflects the struggle of reconciling one's past with present circumstances.
Tokue
Tokue is a remarkable woman in her seventies with a lifelong dream of working in a dorayaki shop. Despite her physical deformities caused by leprosy, she brings immense creativity and passion to her work. Her wisdom and kindness leave a lasting impact on Sentaro and Wakana, embodying resilience and the importance of valuing one's existence beyond societal judgments.
Wakana
Wakana is a schoolgirl who befriends Sentaro and acts as a conduit of compassion throughout the film. She encourages Sentaro to reconnect with Tokue, highlighting her genuine concern for both characters. Her youthful innocence juxtaposes the heavy themes of prejudice and redemption, allowing her to play a crucial role in Sentaro’s transformation.
Setting
Time period
The story takes place in contemporary Japan, reflecting societal attitudes and historical contexts related to leprosy. The mention of the repeal of the Leprosy Prevention Law in 1996 highlights a significant shift in societal perceptions about those affected by this condition, indicating a lingering stigma that impacts the characters.
Location
Tokyo
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is known for its blend of traditional and modern elements. It is a vibrant city where you can find everything from ancient temples to contemporary skyscrapers. The outskirts of Tokyo, where Sentaro's dorayaki shop is located, provide a quaint setting that contrasts with the fast-paced life of the city.
Themes
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Compassion
The film explores themes of compassion through the relationships developed between Sentaro, Tokue, and Wakana. It illustrates how genuine compassion can bridge societal prejudices and foster understanding. Tokue’s journey challenges characters to reconsider their perceptions of worth and value, emphasizing the importance of kindness.
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Prejudice
Prejudice is a central theme in 'Sweet Bean', particularly as it relates to Tokue's leprosy and physical deformities. The stigma surrounding her condition affects her life drastically, impacting her ability to work and be accepted in society. The film serves as a poignant reminder of how societal biases can harm individuals who are already vulnerable.
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Redemption
Sentaro’s journey embodies the theme of redemption as he struggles with his past mistakes and his role in the world. By learning to accept and appreciate Tokue’s contributions and embracing his own life circumstances, he finds a sense of pride and purpose. The film illustrates how personal growth can occur even in the face of adversity.
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