The surreal elements help create a unique atmosphere that sets the film apart from conventional family dramas. They not only add a layer of complexity to the narrative, but also serve as visual metaphors that depict the characters' internal conflicts, hopes, and memories. The surreal elements in "The Taste of Tea" are not only visual ornaments but also have narrative and symbolic functions. Ishii asks the audience to look deeper into the lives of his characters and realize that there are hidden layers behind seemingly ordinary everyday events. Through surrealism, the film opens the door to another dimension of reality that we are usually unaware of daily. These surreal elements reflect the mental and emotional state of the characters. They become tools for the characters to deal with their fears, traumas, or dreams. It reminds me of Sigmund Freud's theory of the unconscious, where fantasy and imagination are often a way to understand hidden inner conflicts. Katsuhito Ishii brilliantly incorporates surreal elements into everyday stories, creating a film that is visually beautiful and profound in its meaning. "The Taste of Tea" shows that in the silence and routine of life, there are wonders and mysteries waiting to be discovered. These surreal elements bridge reality and fantasy, reminding us that the world we see is only one of many possibilities. I've never seen such a big turd, especially on the skull of a yakuza's head. Hahaha. Then, I realized that this movie was meant to be watched with more than simple logic. — Filmripple