Excitement brews as the hit drama “Grand Maison Tokyo” (now available on Netflix worldwide!) gets ready to hit the big screen with its upcoming film adaptation, “Grande Maison Paris,” starring the iconic Kimura Takuya.
Originally aired on TBS’s Sunday Theater slot in 2019, the drama captured hearts with its compelling storyline and stellar performances. Now, fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of this captivating tale in the form of a movie, set to grace theaters in winter 2024.
In the original drama, the heart of the story is Chef Obana, portrayed by Takuya Kimura. He is a culinary virtuoso who stakes his life on the art of French cuisine. However, a tragic turn of events caused by his own hubris sees Obana lose everything he holds dear—his prestigious two-star restaurant and his cherished comrades—in the vibrant streets of Paris.
But from the depths of despair emerges an opportunity for redemption as Obana crosses paths with Rinko, played by the talented Kyoka Suzuki, a fellow chef with her own aspirations.
Together, Obana and Rinko embark on a journey of resilience and reinvention in Japan, determined to carve out a new path in the culinary world. As they navigate the intricate world of haute cuisine, they face formidable challenges and forge unbreakable bonds, all in pursuit of the ultimate culinary accolade – a three-star restaurant named “Grand Maison Tokyo.”
The drama garnered significant attention when it originally aired, and there were many voices clamoring for a sequel.
Back in January, fans were ecstatic when the official website and social media accounts released the phrase “Grand Maison Project Launch.” And now, after months of anticipation, it has been revealed that a special drama will follow the events of “Grand Maison Tokyo” achieving three stars. As the full details of the project, which had been shrouded in mystery, gradually emerged, the decision to adapt it into a film was also announced.
The film ventures beyond Japan to the home of French cuisine, Paris. In March, extensive location shooting took place in Paris, and the main cast, including Kimura, took on acting in French with the same proficiency as their Japanese lines.
Directed by Ayuko Tsukahara and written by Tsutomu Kuroiwa, the film promises to captivate audiences with its rich storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Shot on location in the picturesque streets of Paris, the movie immerses viewers in the intoxicating atmosphere of the French capital, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the world of haute cuisine.
Story
“Grand Maison Tokyo” has come a long way since achieving its coveted “three stars” in Japan. Chef Natsuki Obana and Rinko Hayami have been tirelessly working to launch a new restaurant, “Grand Maison Paris,” in the culinary capital of France, aiming to become the first Asians to earn a Michelin “three-star” rating.
In the heart of France, where culinary giants vie for supremacy, obtaining a “three-star” rating in French cuisine has been Obana’s lifelong dream. However, for chefs in a foreign land, even acquiring satisfactory ingredients presents a significant hurdle, making the dream of earning three stars seem like a distant fantasy. “Grand Maison Paris” has been facing days of unfruitful efforts, unable to produce the desired results. And after a mishap at a gala dinner, Obana finds himself making a solemn promise with his former mentor: if they fail to earn three stars in the next Michelin guide, they will leave France and shut down the restaurant.
Once hailed as a charismatic chef, Obana must now overcome setbacks and the barriers of borders, alongside his team, to achieve the pinnacle of success – a “three-star” rating on the world stage. Will Team Grand Maison be able to defy the odds and grasp the highest honor in the culinary world? The stage is set for their passionate and fiery “final challenge” to begin.
Takuya Kimura, known for his versatility as both an artist and an actor and for constantly pushing boundaries, tackles the role of Chef Obana again. Despite his successful career and many notable projects, Kimura’s comeback as Chef Obana, who shares his unwavering drive for cooking, marks his first leading role in a film since “HERO” in 2015—almost a decade ago.
Joining Kimura and Suzuki are a stellar ensemble cast, including Kazuki Sawamura, Mitsuhiko Kawahara, Yuta Tamamori (Kis-My-Ft2), Kanichiro, Ayako Yoshitani, Anne Nakamura, and Ai Tomonaga. These seasoned actors bring depth and nuance to their respective roles, breathing life into the vibrant tapestry of characters that populate the world of “Grand Maison Paris.“
That’s not all! As announced earlier, joining the stellar ensemble cast is the latest addition, Yoshinori Masakado (Ae! group), as Tasuku Kogure, an apprentice working at “Grand Maison Paris” alongside the protagonist chef Obana. This film marks Masakado’s first collaboration with Kimura.
Kogure, affectionately known as “Gure-chan,” is a beloved character who speaks in a Kansai dialect and is a friendly mood-maker among the staff. He often accompanies Chef Obana and Kamihito Aizawa, played by Mitsuhiko Oikawa, on ingredient shopping trips. In these excursions, Kogure experiences firsthand the challenges faced by unknown Japanese restaurant staff in sourcing ingredients in a foreign land.
While Kogure deeply respects Chef Obana’s passion for cooking, he wishes he would rely more on those around him. He is also concerned about the future of Grand Maison Paris due to some of Chef Obana’s reckless promises.
Masakado’s inclusion adds another layer of intrigue to the film, promising fresh dynamics and captivating performances.
Furthermore, the culinary supervision for this film will be handled by Chef Kei Kobayashi of “Restaurant KEI,” who became the first Asian to receive three Michelin stars in France in 2020. Achieving three Michelin stars as an individual chef in a foreign land is nothing short of miraculous, and even five years later, “Restaurant KEI” remains the only Asian establishment to have achieved this recognition in the Michelin Guide France.
Comment by Takuya Kimura
“The set was filled with an incredible amount of passion from the entire cast and crew, so I was delighted to reunite with everyone for this role. Even though it’s been five years, I was incredibly impressed by how firmly each character had lived within us during that time. While achieving three Michelin stars in Japan with “Grand Maison Tokyo” felt like a significant accomplishment, aiming for three stars in Paris was something that Obana had been striving for but seemed out of reach. So reaching for that goal was a monumental challenge.
I also challenged myself with the French language this time. There were moments when I felt like I hadn’t fully embraced Obana‘s character, but having sessions where the entire cast and crew sought the director’s approval for our performances was a rewarding experience. When I first read the bound script, I felt like there was no way we could capture something as grand as earning three stars in Paris, but I realized that was just my own assumption. With the support of everyone involved, it was something achievable, and I’m truly grateful.
I’m really happy to see such positive reactions to the launch of the “Grand Maison Project.” While it may be difficult for you to actually taste the dishes, there will be plenty of delicious meals that I wish I could deliver the aroma of. I believe that the members of “Grand Maison Paris,” including Obana, are putting their utmost effort into perfecting each dish, so I hope you’ll be able to enjoy them in the theater.“
Comment by Yoshinori Masakado
“We filmed on the Tokyo kitchen set, then took a break for about two weeks before shooting in Paris for two days. It was great to see everyone again, but it ended so quickly that I felt genuinely sad.
I never imagined I would get to work with a senior like Kimura-san at this age, so it was a tremendous honor. Being able to work with such experienced and wonderful people was truly a luxurious experience.
Although I have some regrets about what I could have done better, I consider these thoughts as valuable lessons for growth. I want to cherish what I learned here, strive to grow even more, and work with everyone again in the future.
I have a lot of affection for the character I played and hope that among the diverse cast of characters, mine will stand out with its unique charm! The shopping scenes in Paris were particularly exciting. I had heard it was like Tsukiji Market, but the vast space with various goods for sale and the sight of meat hanging directly was quite impactful and will make for some striking visuals.
When I first watched the drama version, I thought it might be a bit mature, but I was moved by the exhilarating feeling of triumph, like a boy’s comic book. I’m honored to have been a part of such a project and am excited to see the final result myself. This work is packed with excitement and anticipation, so I hope everyone can enjoy the beauty of the cuisine and the Parisian scenery, making it a luxurious experience for all.”
With its stellar cast, captivating storyline, and sumptuous visuals, “Grand Maison Paris” promises to be a feast for the senses, offering audiences a delectable cinematic experience unlike any other. As the countdown to its release begins, fans eagerly await the opportunity to savor the flavors of this extraordinary film.
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