A visual waxing poetic about the meaning of life through cooking in a home setting.
The Makanai Cooking for the Maiko House (Netflix) based off a manga by Aiko Koyama.
A warm, tender, and joyous delight that will have you running to your kitchen... if you love to cook for people you love that is.
An intimate look at Maiko, their "house mothers/Okasan" and some Geisha (in their respective quarters) living behind closed doors of their beloved okiyo/yakata, 'Saku House.'
We get to explore the feelings, secrets, and desires of these budding women and wise guardians with such delicate and comforting storytelling and direction. It felt so genuine even with the dubbing.
I've always found cooking for the people I love therapeutic. There are lessons that come to you while cooking meals I feel the same about caring for houseplants yet cooking is something usually done more often breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert/snacks.
I love how she stepped into her purpose and this story expressed that it can be filled with bits of fear or uncertainty, but once you find your footing and follow your heart you are sure to be lead to a life you can smile about. The way Kiyo felt like she was "at home" with her new role in life right near to where her heart was. Her passion wafted throughout the okiyo with grace. She faced challenges swiftly and with determination for the hearth of the okiyo to be protected and blessed. Whenever opportunity came as a learning moment be it a recipe, different ingredients used in that district versus her home district, or what type of soup is even used to aid the ill, she was open and willing to hold space for growth, for the greater good of her experience as Makanai.
Enjoy and Okini!