A jewel within Netflix
If you are new to Netflix, the monopoly of North American and British productions on it might overwhelm you. You can watch on it movies, tv series, mini series, cartoons, short films, and even documentaries; though that term is now very questionable as so many documentaries are becoming manipulative, tabloid, and one-sided hit pieces that demonize artists instead of being well researched documentaries that explore both sides of a case.
But if you want to discover other cultures and production styles from other countries; with narrative techniques different than in English-speaking countries, this is where Netflix can enrich your life. Indeed, as someone who adores Japan and Asian Cinema, I discovered several shows and movies that I never heard of before. Productions that would not have gotten a chance on North American mainstream services as their censor codes and prejudices toward viewers would have obstructed these shows’ broadcast.
Among these productions, I discovered Midnight Diner. Based on Yaro Abe’s serial manga still published in the Big Comics magazine, this program presents a late-dinner in Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s most important neighborhoods. Open from Midnight till 7 AM, a mysterious man everyone nicknames as Master manages that diner. Each night, he offers his standard menu of Pork Miso Udon soup. Though if customers want to, they can ask him other meals; which he can cook or not depending if he has all the ingredients. Each night, customers appear. Some return daily, others might come during certain circumstances. For many of these patrons, we learn their stories. Who they are, their lives, friendships, personal conflicts, professional trials, or any situation they encounter. From the mundane to even paranormal in one episode. All of these stories are linked to a certain meal that the patron in question has been asking from Master.
Now each episode lasts twenty-five minutes; storylines are short and don’t dive into unecessary tangents. And the conflicts are slice-of-life matters. So don’t expect anything over-the-top or apocalyptic drama. This is a relaxing slice-of-life program linked to the beauty of japanese gastronomy. And I do mean that as the show is filmed in a relaxing ambience; ideal to watch before going to bed or after dinner. For indeed, watching it before a meal can make viewers hungrier than usual. Which is no wonder as the recipes are mouth-watering. For each of them, we learn their recipe at the episode’s end. So this show is a wonderful promotional card for local diners, for late night ones, and for the magic of food and its impact on someone’s life.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the complicity and contacts between a diner owner and its patrons, but also of these clients between themselves. Because when patrons meet each other frequently, a link happens. Either a friendship, romance, or a daily routine where they reveal more about themselves than at home, work or in public. In this show, we meet many of these patrons. Some more recurrent as they reappear in many episodes, or only on sparse chapters. Also, this story is set in a late dinner, so some patrons are employees working in unconventional professions; either as cross dressers or strippers. So some of their episodes are linked to their profession. However, their stories are explored in respectful takes. None become vulgar or innapropriate. Instead we are presented a tasteful depiction of their realities; so that audiences who ignore their life reality don’t become uncomfortable with their professional situations.
As for the acting, it does not go over-the-top as in other Japanese shows like Ikebukuro West Gate Park or Nodame Cantabile. Instead, the performances stay earth-grounded. Which is nice as it makes the program accessible to foreign audiences who might not be used to the overacting in some Japanese tv dramas; which can irritate certain viewers who might find their performances too corny.
Among the cast, the actor playing Master is Kaoru Kobayashi, who did voice performances in Studio Ghibli‘s movies like Princess Mononoke or Tales from Earthsea. So those who love these animated productions will be delighted to see him on the show. And if you are a careful observer, you will notice that Joe Odagiri performs two different roles. With both characters appearing in some episodes.
But what is interesting is that not once do we learn who is Master. Apart from a few tidbits here and there, his origins remain mysterious. Though from what we can see, it is possible that he had past experiences with yakuzas or other violent circusmtances, especially regarding his facial scar. Maybe the series clouded up his origins to leave each audience member their chance to hypothesize who he is. Either way, the tactic is great as it makes him mysterious. And as a protagonist, never does he judges or tries to meddle in the patrons’ problems. He might give a few tips if they ask his help, but he stays distant enough to let them confront their problems by themselves.
So at fifty episodes the series happens. In five seasons; ten stories each. The first three seasons done with Mainichi Broadcasting System; the other two with Netflix. And if you look carefully at the Netflix seasons, they have higher budget; which means richer visual and production quality. Especially HD images and some great handheld camera effects. So the quality is excellent. And for each season, the intro presents a car driving before the Kabukicho neighborhood, a popular location in the Yakuza/Ryu Ga Gotoku video games; presenting ads in the streets that are fascinating. In the first season, a publicity for Hideaki Annoo’s Evangelion movie. In the second, an ad for one of the Yakuza video games. So fans of those video games will be delighted to see this famous neighborhood.
In conclusion, Midnight Diner is an excellent show to watch if you have Netflix. It presents the greatest potential of streaming services; which is showing foreign tv shows and movies to worldwide audiences. And considering that they did a movie version of Midnight Diner with the Japanese cast, it would be nice of Netflix to present that production on its service. So that people can fully experience the magic of that series and its charming late diner.
Omnes's Oasis 