The Master (Kaoru Kobayashi), owner of a tiny Tokyo izakaya, opens his restaurant from midnight to 7am, serving a unique clientele seeking more than just food. His modest four-item menu belies his willingness to cook anything for his patrons, who range from a gangster to an elderly man meticulously tracking his remaining meals. The film explores the interconnected lives of various customers, including funeral enthusiasts, a frustrated book publishing employee, an elderly woman struggling with memory loss, and the son of a former patron. Through their interactions at the late-night diner, each character reveals intimate stories of struggle, connection, and human resilience. This 2016 Japanese film, directed by Joji Matsuoka, offers a poignant glimpse into the diverse lives that converge in one small, extraordinary restaurant.
