Some movies don’t just entertain, they nourish. The Ramen Girl is one of those rare finds: a comforting story wrapped in self-discovery, culture, and steaming bowls of soup. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of your path, this movie gives you something warm to hold onto. It’s not flashy. It’s not perfect. But it hits you right in the soul, kind of like a really good bowl of ramen. And I love a good bowl of ramen!
If you know me, then you know I love an inspirational movie that hints at finding yourself and doing what you love. People say movies program you, and in a way, I guess they do. But if you watch the right ones… they can inspire you to want to achieve things you never thought possible. The Ramen Girl is one of those movies.
Tough love, exactly what every stuck-up, head-in-the-clouds kind of girl needs to break down and truly find herself.
Sometimes you have to sink as low as you can go to realize the only direction left is up.
If you’ve ever felt this way, this movie might be exactly what you’ve been searching for.
Quick Facts:
Director: Robert Allan Ackerman
Main Cast / Lead Actors:
Brittany Murphy as Abby
Toshiyuki Nishida as Maezumi (the ramen master)
Tammy Blanchard as Gretchen
Sohee Park as Reiko
IMDb / Rotten Tomatoes:
IMDb: ★6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: Audience Score around 64% (no critic consensus)
Genres: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Rating: PG-13
Release Year: 2008
Length: 122 minutes
Where to Watch: Available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube Movies
The Plot
Have you ever been one of those girls who gave up everything for a guy? Completely lost yourself over a dream you believed in… one you spoke about with your whole heart, only to realize he never took it seriously?…
The movie follows Abby, played by Brittany Murphy, who finds herself unexpectedly alone in Tokyo after a breakup. With no plan, no real purpose, and no language skills, she stumbles into a tiny ramen shop and ends up on a journey she never expected. The story unfolds quietly but meaningfully, as Abby learns how to make ramen, and in doing so, learns how to rebuild herself.
Why It Feels So Special
This isn’t your typical rom-com or a food movie with neatly packaged resolutions. It’s messy, slow in some parts, and completely heartfelt. That’s what makes it so comforting.
It’s a story about:
Being lost, and staying lost for a while
- The healing power of food
Cross-cultural connection and quiet mentorship
Grit, growth, and starting over
And it’s all wrapped up in rainy Tokyo streets, language barriers, and scenes that will make you crave soup at midnight.
Brittany Murphy brings so much sincerity to Abby. She’s chaotic, tender, and vulnerable, everything you’d expect from someone trying to hold themselves together while everything falls apart. Her performance is one of the reasons this movie still resonates. You believe her, and you root for her. And who doesn’t love Brittany Murphy, she died way too young.
She has these moments that are so relatable, they hit you right in the feelings, the kind that make you unexpectedly emotional.
The Vibe:
If you love movies like Julie & Julia, Eat Pray Love, or even Under the Tuscan Sun, The Ramen Girl belongs in your queue. It’s a mix of comfort and chaos, seasoned with quiet moments of transformation.
This movie definitely reminds me of Simply Irresistible – there’s something about the magic of food that both films capture so beautifully.
In each story, the kitchen becomes more than just a place to cook; it becomes a place where your emotions are poured into your food — literally.
In real life, I hope I can cook like that one day. A mother’s cooking is made with love — that’s why we love it so much, right? You can taste it. That care, that warmth, that quiet magic… it’s not just about the ingredients, it’s about the heart behind it.
Watch It When You…
Feel like you’ve lost your way and need a little hope
Are craving a “starting over” story that’s not too heavy
Want to feel inspired by quiet determination
Are eating noodles and want to make it a whole moment
Need a reminder that patience pays off (in life and in cooking)
Want a cozy, emotional film that won’t leave you drained
Final Thoughts
This movie taught me that it’s not easy, you have to really work for what you want. Try, try, try again… just don’t give up. That’s one of the hardest lessons I had to learn. Never give up. Keep trying until you succeed.
Life will throw things at you, things you think you’ll never be able to overcome. But sometimes, it’s just a mindset. Change your perspective, and things will change.
I’m a sucker for a heartfelt but inspiring movie. There are so many out there that I’ve loved. I can’t wait to share the list of films that I sometimes go back and re-watch when I feel lost or need a little inspiration or pick-me-up. This one? It’s absolutely on that list.
The Ramen Girl isn’t perfect, but maybe that’s the point. It’s about how messy and beautiful starting over can be. It’s one of those films you watch when you don’t need answers, just a little comfort and a reminder that you’ll figure it out, eventually. And maybe… with a warm bowl of soup in your hands.
