"The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House Series Review - Exploring Women's Friendship and Traditions"
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, a Netflix series by Hirozaku Kore-eda, takes viewers on a journey through the lives of the women of the maiko house in Kyoto. The show explores themes of friendship, coming-of-age, and the intricate relationships that women form with each other.
The story begins with Kiyo and Sumire, two teenagers from a small town in Aomori, traveling to Kyoto to train as maikos. While Sumire excels in the skills required to be a maiko, Kiyo finds her place as the cook for the maiko house. As the series unfolds, Kore-eda introduces other characters and delves into the unique aspects of life as a maiko. Viewers gain insights into the strict rules and traditions of being a maiko, including restrictions on cell phone usage and specific portion sizes for meals.
Kore-eda skillfully weaves individual stories of different maikos with the overarching friendship between Kiyo and Sumire. Through shared meals and heartfelt moments, their bond grows stronger, offering comfort and support in their new environment. As the series progresses, the characters undergo personal growth and explore their own paths within the maiko world.
One notable aspect of The Makanai is Kore-eda's focus on the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a maiko. The series showcases the challenges and sacrifices these women face, such as the hairstyle interfering with their sleep. By highlighting the daily lives of the maikos, Kore-eda brings authenticity to the portrayal of their experiences.
While the series effectively explores themes of friendship and personal growth, it falls short in addressing the safety and well-being of the young women training as maikos. The show mainly focuses on the personal aspects of their lives, leaving the more serious discussions about the difficulties they may encounter as maikos largely untouched.
Overall, The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House offers a gentle and comforting viewing experience. Kore-eda's deliberate pace and attention to detail create an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. The series celebrates female companionship and provides a glimpse into the lives of the women of the maiko house in Kyoto.
What are some of the main themes explored in The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House series?
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House series explores various themes related to women, friendship, coming-of-age, and the traditions of the maiko lifestyle. The show delves into the bonds formed between the characters, particularly the friendship between Kiyo and Sumire, as they navigate their training as maiko. It also sheds light on the unique challenges and expectations placed on maiko, such as adhering to strict rules, maintaining specific appearances, and performing for an audience.
The series also touches on the individual journeys of different maikos, highlighting their personal growth, new beginnings, and the embracing of old friendships. While the show primarily focuses on the personal aspects of their lives, it could have delved deeper into the safety and well-being of these young women in their profession. Overall, The Makanai offers a comforting exploration of female companionship and the unique world of the maiko house in Kyoto.
The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (2023) - info
- Release date: January 12, 2023
- Episodes: 9
- Genre: Drama, Comedy
- Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Writer: Pavan Grover
- Stars: Nana Mori, Natsuki Deguch, iAi Hashimoto