Cha no aji 2004

Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: The most charming comedy in town, writer-director-editor Katsuhito Ishii's 2003 piece is a modern Japanese variation on You Can't Take It With You, with some lovely fantastical flourishes. Read more

Neil Genzlinger, New York Times: A description someone gives of a song involved in one of the film's many detours neatly summarizes the movie itself: 'It's more cool than weird, and it stays in your head.' Read more

Andrea Gronvall, Chicago Reader: 'Weird but cool,' as one character says -- yet the movie is also remarkably touching. Read more

Tom Keogh, Seattle Times: The film could easily lose a half-hour, but it rewards with a promise that there are unexpected marvels in the world and moments of real grace. Read more

V.A. Musetto, New York Post: A tad too long, Tea is nevertheless touching and funny, with charming performances. You might say it's as calming as a hot cup of green tea. Read more

G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle: Quirky with a capital Q... Read more

Ken Eisner, Variety: Read more

Derek Elley, Variety: Read more

Michelle Orange, Village Voice: Ishii's domestic frame is as tightly packed and layered as his horizons are expansive. Read more