3/5 stars The simple pleasures of ikebana, or flower arranging, and eating ramen are at the heart of writer-director Rikiya Imaizumi’s understated yet effective romance about a young male florist (Kei Tanaka) and the assorted female customers and admirers that his skills attract. The gentle pacing and minimal narrative are in stark contrast to the film’s bustling urban setting, while the premise teases broader comedic possibilities that are never explored. Nevertheless, a likeable ensemble cast of newcomers and established stars ensure that their daily dramas and romantic pitfalls remain engaging throughout. Since he was a college student, Seiichi (Tanaka) has always loved flowers and he opens a small florist’s called “Mellow” and has accumulated a steady stream of regular customers. Among these are middle-schooler Hiromi (Sara Shida), who harbours a secret crush on Seiichi, and her classmate Yoko (Erena Matsuki), who has her heart set on wooing Hiromi with the help of Mellow’s wares. Seiichi also provides flowers for the household shrine to a recently departed ramen chef. His daughter, Kiho (Sae Okazaki), put her own dreams on hold to keep the small restaurant going, but as Seiichi is her only regular customer, she plans to close soon. This is most distressing, as Kiho too has eyes for the oblivious flower seller. The 25 best Japanese movies of the 21st century Seiichi’s world seems entirely populated by women, including his young niece Saho (Tamaki Shiratori), who regularly skips school to hang out at Mellow and keep tabs on her uncle’s suitors. To date, he has failed to pick up on any of their advances, even when – in the case of Rie Tomosaka’s disgruntled housewife – they make their intentions abundantly clear. There is a version of this story that might veer into the same territory as Hal Ashby’s classic Shampoo , in which Warren Beatty plays a Lothario hairdresser who beds all of his female clients. Alternatively, as was the case in Tanaka’s hit show Ossan’s Love , Seiichi might come to the realisation that he is in fact gay, and seek romantic gratification elsewhere. Imaizumi’s vision, however, is much more straightforward. Seiichi’s passion for his craft has simply obscured the romantic prospects who linger hopefully at his door. Seiichi’s lack of awareness might prove frustrating for some viewers. However, thanks to memorable turns from 10-year-old Tamaki Shiratori, as his wise-beyond-her-years niece, and Sae Okazaki as the eternally patient girl next door, Mellow blossoms into a surprisingly charming diversion. Want more articles like this? Follow SCMP Film on Facebook