The Grapes of Joy (2021)

"Don't come back!"

If you are curious about those insanely expensive grapes sold in Japan, The Grapes of Joy gives a tiny insight into how they are grown. I’ll admit the heartwarming part of the story was something that attracted me, but the hyperventilating, inept, female lead hired for her smile dragged it down for at least the first half of the movie. This type of overly-enthusiastic character is hugely popular so this is just my curmudgeonly response to her.

Soma Haruna shows up late to her interview at Minamoto Kitchoan but the president of the company has mercy on her and lets her interview. Her sob story gets to him and she is hired despite everyone else’s reservations. Haruna is shuttled from department to department after making hilarious and kindhearted mistakes until the only place left for her is working in the vineyards where the grapes are grown for the company’s signature treat. There she meets the owner of the vineyard, Akiyoshi Shinsuke, who has no desire for her to work for him. Haruna doesn’t know the meaning of the word “no” and continues to show up every day.

Within the first 30 minutes, Haruna---fell dramatically twice, was late for her interview, lost her wallet, lost her phone, presented an error riddled resume, ruined two batches of candy, left the candy store and register unattended, got lost, ran a customer off with her pushy, unrestrained enthusiasm, nearly ruined expensive grapes, demonstrated no self-awareness or ability to follow simple instructions, and was unable to comprehend when people were making fun of her. I know I was supposed to be charmed by her, but I sympathized with her supervisors. I wouldn’t have hired her to water my houseplants while on vacation. At one point when she was relegated to making copies I wondered if she’d accidentally and hilariously burn the building down. Of course, Haruna discovered Akiyoshi’s secret pain and worked to save not only the grapes for the company but also heal the older man’s heartache.

I found the grape growing aspects of the film interesting though there wasn’t much to be learned. Haruna calmed down the longer she worked at the vineyard and began to think beyond her own desires around Akiyoshi, which helped my viewing experience. The Grapes of Joy worked hard to be heartwarming, maybe a little too hard and obviously.

15 July 2024

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