Supermarket Woman is a Japanese comedy-drama film directed by Juzo Itami, first released in 1996. The movie follows the story of a struggling supermarket manager, played by Itami himself, who is desperately trying to keep his failing business afloat amidst the rise of a rival supermarket chain. In a last-ditch effort to save his failing store, he hires a confident and savvy young woman, played by Nobuko Miyamoto, who proves to be a game-changer.
The protagonist of the film, Furukawa, is an earnest but bumbling man who is beloved by his employees but is slowly letting his store fall into disrepair. Along comes the titular Supermarket Woman, a former housewife named Ako, who is determined to revamp the store and bring in new customers. She's an energetic, charismatic force of nature, and her passion for her job is infectious. She quickly butts heads with Furukawa at first, but he can't help but be impressed by her results.
Together, the two embark on a series of wacky schemes and creative stunts to draw in customers and compete with their rival store. They brainstorm wild ideas like reinventing the deli counter and hosting a "red light district" night market in the parking lot. Along the way, they develop a begrudging mutual respect and even a tinge of romance.
Supermarket Woman is a delightful, charming film that celebrates small business and the power of community connections. Itami's direction is light and whimsical, and the film is peppered with touches of humor and satire. Ultimately, it's a heartwarming story about the joys of teamwork and the power of ingenuity.
