I had never heard of this film, and then had the chance to watch it during a plane flight. Yes, at first it feels confusing and disjointed, as we're following several characters in different geographical locations, and it's hard to see how this will all come together. But then Depardieu's troubled and frankly unappealing character makes it to Japan and the slow weaving together of his life and that of the Japanese chef's family begins. My favorite bits had to do with his introduction to Japanese flavors, how he comes alive as he tastes ramen broth and spun sugar and meets the pig keeper who serenades her animals by playing rock guitar. The ending was sweet and satisfying.