Jan. 31st, 2019
Share Drama Midnight Diner TBS
Jan. 31st, 2019 02:25 pm
LINK VIETSUB
Summary
"The Master", the main character of the show, is the chef and bartender who runs the titular diner. While he has a limited range of ingredients, he always offers to produce any dish that a customer may want using the ingredients he has at hand. Sometimes the customer contributes the ingredients, particularly if they are out of the ordinary. The diner is frequented by a range of customers, ranging from salarymen to yakuza and prostitutes, all of whom generally get along well; only occasionally is there conflict between the characters (e.g. in one scene two characters start fighting and the Master pours alcohol on them).
Generally, each episode deals with a drama focused on a particular customer. (Only rarely are the dramas about the Master himself; one notable exception occurs in the first movie, where the master injures his hand and can't cook). The plot will introduce the characters of the episode, and then detail their personal challenges. The Master, although generally taciturn, offers help and advice to his customers. [1] The plot will generally offer some philosophical lesson as part of the story, be it simple or complicated. Some of the stories are lighthearted, others more dramatic.
Generally, each episode will focus on a particular dish, often the favorite of the character that the episode is about, which relates to the story, and briefly show the preparation of it.[2][3]
The Master character occasionally breaks the fourth wall, to speak to the viewers (e.g. in the TV series, to announce the upcoming movie). In the first movie, the master is assisted by a homeless girl, (played by Tabe Mikako) who learns some of his cooking techniques, though generally he cooks by himself.
While generally the characters are transitional, and are mainly seen in their own episodes, and perhaps as background in minor characters in one or two other episodes, several characters are regular customers and reappear regularly, including the trio of gossiping old ladies, and Tadashi, an old man wearing a cap (played by Mansaku Fuwa). Occasionally seen is the cross-dressing restaurant owner Kosuzu (Toshiki Ayata), and the Yakuza boss (played by Yutaka Matsushige).[4]
Occasionally, the stories will adopt magic realism overtones, including in one story, the depiction of a ghost. Commentary has also suggested that the Tadashi character may be a type of Japanese demon that is seen at bars[citation needed].
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