The highly anticipated film Grand Maison Paris will hit theatres across Japan on December 30, 2024. This cinematic adaptation continues the journey of the beloved characters from the 2019 TBS drama Grand Maison Tokyo. Starring Takuya Kimura (木村拓哉), the movie takes us to the culinary heart of Paris, where Chef Natsuki Obana (尾花夏树) (played by Takuya Kimura) and his team strive to win a Michelin three-star rating—an aspiration that will test their skills, perseverance, and passion for French cuisine.
A Journey from Tokyo to Paris: The Drama’s Global Expansion
Grand Maison Tokyo captured the hearts of viewers with its compelling story of a chef who rises from the ashes of failure to build a three-star restaurant in Japan. In the movie, Obana, once at the peak of success with his two-star restaurant in Paris, finds himself at rock bottom. But with the support of talented female chef Rinko Hayami (played by Kyōka Suzuki), he embarks on a new mission: to open Grand Maison Paris and secure France’s most prestigious Michelin rating.
The film picks up where the series left off, showcasing Obana’s tireless journey in the world of haute cuisine. However, it’s not just the chef’s culinary prowess that is put to the test—his relationships with his team and his ability to overcome failure play a crucial role in his quest for the Michelin three stars.
A Stellar Cast Reunites for the Parisian Challenge
The movie brings back many fan-favourite characters, with Takuya Kimura (木村拓哉) and Kyōka Suzuki (鈴木京香) reprising their roles alongside a talented supporting cast, including Ikki Sawamura (沢村一樹), Mitsuhiro Oikawa (及川光博), Yuta Tamamori (玉森裕太), Kanichiro (寛一郎), Ayako Yoshitani (吉谷彩子), Anne Nakamura (中村アン), Ai Tominaga (冨永愛) and others. This time, they leave Japan behind and immerse themselves in the competitive world of Parisian fine dining.
The film takes audiences behind the scenes of a high-stakes kitchen, exploring the intricate challenges of acquiring top-quality ingredients in Paris, where even seasoned chefs struggle to find what they need to create the perfect dish. Additionally, the cast’s ability to deliver dialogues in both Japanese and French adds an extra layer of authenticity to the movie.
Key Characters and Their Passion for Perfection
Natsuki Obana (Takuya Kimura): A highly skilled but unorthodox chef who will stop at nothing to create exquisite French cuisine. Obana’s ambition drives him to face his demons and rise to the challenge of obtaining Michelin’s coveted three stars in Paris.
Rinko Hayami (Kyōka Suzuki): A chef with an extraordinary palate and a sharp eye for quality. As Obana’s right-hand, Rinko brings a calming balance to the team, ensuring their success in the demanding Parisian culinary world.
Rick Yuan (Ok Taec-yeon): A talented pastry chef from Canada who brings both expertise and tension to the team. His passion for desserts sometimes leads to clashes with Obana, but his dedication is undeniable.
Taro Kyono (Issey Takahashi): The restaurant’s charismatic and reliable front-of-house manager, who plays a key role in making the dining experience seamless for customers.
Tatsuro Yamashita (山下達郎)’s Inspiring Theme Song “Santé”
A highlight of the film is its theme song, “Santé”, written and performed by Tatsuro Yamashita (山下達郎). As with the original drama’s music, “Santé” captures the spirit of the story with its uplifting and celebratory tone. The title, meaning “cheers” in French, reflects the camaraderie and indomitable spirit of the Grand Maison team. Tatsuro’s lyrics and melody underscore the passion and dedication of chefs who refuse to settle for anything less than greatness.