Midnight Diner (2009) Series Review

 

Midnight Diner | 2009 | 10 episodes
Genre: Comedy/Drama | Country: Japan
IMDB: 8.6/10
My Rate: 10/10

Master's restaurant, open only at midnight, has many diverse patrons with unique and varied stories. The stories have profound and touching messages.

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, nudity, sex, alcohol, and smoking.

 
Synopsis:

Master's small restaurant opens at midnight. Only a few menu items are displayed, but customers can request other dishes if Master has the ingredients. Many patrons visit, both regulars and newcomers, interacting and sharing their individual stories.

 
Episode 1: Akai Wiener to Tamagoyaki

Ryu Kenzaki, a Yakuza boss, visits, initially appearing intimidating. He orders uniquely prepared fried sausages cut like an octopus, a dish that evokes personal memories.

One night, Ryu meets Kosuzu, who loves omelets. They exchange dishes and enjoy their meals together. Later, Ryu is stabbed by an enemy and hospitalized make Kosuzu worried.

 

Episode 2: Neko Manma

Miyuki, an aspiring enka singer, visits at the same time each morning after an all-night karaoke session, ordering a bowl of rice with fish flakes (Neko Manma).

Master suggests Miyuki display posters and CDs in the restaurant because a regular customer is a lyricist. After seeing Miyuki perform, the lyricist provides lyrics that resonate with her life, changing her fortunes, though not permanently.

 

Episode 3: Ochazuke

Three women regularly order ochazuke (rice with tea and various toppings), discussing love and their desire for true love. They strongly oppose blind dates and arranged marriages, believing these are not effective ways to find true love.

One woman must return home due to her sick mother. However, she secretly goes on a blind date, causing her friends to feel betrayed, straining their friendship further when one falls for another's ex-boyfriend.

 

Episode 4: Potato Salad

Erect Oki, a famous porn star, frequently orders potato salad, his favorite dish. He meets Tanaka, who wants to become his apprentice in the porn industry.

When Tanaka's mother falls ill, Oki encourages him to visit her.  Oki reflects on his strained relationship with his family due to his profession, which they find shameful.  His own mother's poor health forces Oki to return home, leading him to discover her true feelings.

 

Episode 5: Butter Rice

Komichi brings a food critic, Toyama, to the restaurant. Master dislikes Toyama's arrogant demeanor.  However, this changes when Toyama sees Goro, a regular busker, order butter rice.

This dish holds a special significance for Toyama, who becomes a regular customer, hoping to meet Goro again.  Toyama and Goro share a past connection related to the love life of Toyama's older sister.

 

Episode 6: Katsudon

Kacchan, an amateur boxer, orders katsudon after winning his matches. He meets Akemi, a single mother, at the restaurant and falls in love at first sight, promising victory in his next fight.

Kacchan quits his job to focus on training and plans to propose to Akemi in the ring after winning.  However, Akemi is disappointed by his decision to quit his job, as raising a family requires significant funds, especially with her child to support, particularly as people doubt Kacchan's chances of winning.

 

Episode 7: Tamago Sando - Egg Sandwich

Nakajima, a poor university student working as a newspaper delivery boy, regularly orders an egg sandwich. He meets Lisa, a rising actress. Lisa falls for Nakajima and confesses her feelings.

Nakajima, preoccupied with his life, believes they cannot be together, especially as Lisa's career progresses, disheartening him. Despite his own feelings, he rejects her, later regretting it when he sees gossip about Lisa and her producer.

 
Episode 8: Sauce Yakisoba

Rinko, a former famous idol, now an actress, regularly orders yakisoba.  The customers recognize her.  Her current role in a drama series mirrors her life, but this doesn't make acting easy. Her character easily forgives her absent father, something Rinko struggles with due to her own trauma.

 

Episode 9: Aji no Hiraki - Grilled Mackerel

Yachiyo, an elegant elderly woman, orders grilled mackerel and meets Marylin, a stripper who has just finished a tour, initially presenting herself as a dancer due to embarrassment.  As they become closer, Marylin reveals her true profession.

One of Marylin's successful ex-boyfriends visits the restaurant and encounters Marylin, insulting her profession, which angers Yachiyo, who also has a secret known to Kosuzu and Mr. Chu, fellow patrons.

 

Episode 10: Ramen

Gen, Ryu's subordinate, visits Master's restaurant and orders ramen. After that night, Gen disappears and becomes a wanted man.  He had stabbed the leader of their rival gang to avenge a previous attack where he failed to protect Ryu. Gen hides in Kosuzu's bar.

Separately, a young boy comes to Master's restaurant searching for his father, carrying a birthday postcard.  Gen has a previously unknown connection to this boy, prompting him to emerge from hiding.

 

Review:

"You wonder, lose your way, and come back."

This series is based on the manga of the same name by Yaro Abe, published in 2006.  The unique story concept is inherently compelling. The aesthetically pleasing introduction leaves a lasting impression. The central location in a restaurant doesn't restrict the narrative possibilities.

The blend of storytelling and food is natural and never feels forced. Each episode presents a different story and dish.  While some characters, such as Master and several regulars, remain consistent, each episode also introduces unique new characters.

The stories are systematically developed with clear character backgrounds. Conflicts and resolutions are well-handled.  Uniquely, each episode concludes with a segment demonstrating the featured dish's preparation, enhancing the viewing experience.

The actors' performances are natural, reflecting typical customer interactions. The music and sound effects are well-chosen, and the actors' expressions are excellent.

Episode 4: Potato Salad is particularly memorable for its poignant portrayal of a deep mother-son relationship.  It highlights that parental affection endures, even when relationships are strained.

This series is ideal for viewers who appreciate calming yet engaging and meaningful stories—simple narratives with a lasting impact.

 

(Aluna)