This is a film adaptation of Solitary Gourmet, an internationally popular manga-based series that has been airing on TV Tokyo since 2012 and reached its 10th season in 2023. Matsushige Yutaka, who plays the main character Goro, has taken on the directorial role for this film. Unlike the TV series, which thrived on Goro enjoying delicious food in various restaurants even without dramatic storylines, the film introduces a special narrative to his culinary journey. Upon receiving a message from an old friend’s daughter, Goro arrives in Paris and learns of the elderly man’s wish to taste a particular soup he had in his childhood before he dies. Deciding to help, Goro sets out on a quest to find this mysterious soup, traveling through Japan, braving a storm, and even ending up in South Korea. The film features a dramatic narrative and emphasizes comedy, unlike the TV series. While the charm of the series lies in the food itself, the film’s appeal comes from its relatable humor. (NAM Dong-chul)