Death and Ramen (2023)

PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!

It’s Timmy’s (Bobby Lee) last night on earth, and the Grim Reaper (Matt Jones) has come for him. When Death decides to give him a slightly extended stay, the two spend the night hanging out. Timmy is a ramen chef, and one of his last wishes is for kimchi ramen. As the two travel through the night to obtain this divine and spicy treat, emotions run rampant, and Timmy’s real reason for being here comes to light. Death and Ramen is a comical yet sincere telling of what it’s like to know that we’re dying.

Both Lee and Jones have been known as funny men for some time. They have each made appearances in popular television shows and movies and have solidified themselves as more than adequate in Hollywood. However, when I think of the two actors, I don’t typically associate them with drama, with hard-hitting emotion. Death and Ramen asks them to present viewers with both drama and comedy in a way that both extends reality and remains accessible to viewers everywhere.

Death and Ramen as a whole is a comedy, and it does a wonderful job of developing comedy from the opening moments. Lee is one of those people that has a powerful presence, that has the ability to turn any moment into comedy with ease (at least it seems to be easy for him)–and while the opening moments of Death of Ramen are somewhat intense, filled with what many would consider to be incredibly dramatic, Lee delivers comedy with his brilliant facial expressions and body language. The film is instantly inviting, which is essential, as it will quickly transition to a supernatural journey that may be off-putting to those who are looking for something a little more accessible. Writer-Director Tiger Ji and Lee understand how to write the film’s exposition, they understand how to appeal to viewers, and they are successful in their attempt to captivate viewers in the early going.

Once Jones enters chaos ensues in the best possible way, as the comedic geniuses have impeccable chemistry, constantly building off of one another, constantly strengthening the comedy throughout. Death and Ramen ultimately rests on the shoulders of Lee, but Jones’ role in this film shouldn’t be overlooked, as he is able to help drive forward a riveting narrative.

The entirety of Death and Ramen takes place at night, set against a somewhat harrowing backdrop of darkness and emptiness. Why create such a juxtaposition using the setting? Why develop something like this at all in a comedy that showcases the untimely death of a ramen chef? That answer is quite easy actually: there is far more to this film than just comedy. Drama is just as important in this short film, and as we prepare to transition to the final act of the film, drama takes over, consumes viewers, and once again Lee shines brightly. I was nearly brought to tears as Lee showcased a series of hard-hitting emotions, and I was pulled even further into this beautiful film.

Death and Ramen is a comedy for sure–as just about anyone would be able to deduce knowing that Jones and Lee are its leads. However, as the film grows, using food and comedy to appeal to viewers and remain accessible, drama creeps in, takes hold, and gives the film new meaning. Death and Ramen is far more than I could have anticipated, far more than I think many would have expected from this duo. Lee is ultimately the key here, but every step of the way is ironically bright and beautiful.

Written & Directed by Tiger Ji.

Starring Bobby Lee, Matt Jones, Karen Yum, etc.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10