Gon-Mama

Tetsuo Gonda, nicknamed Gon-mama, is a big, macho gay man. During the day, he works out at the gym, and in the evening, he runs his Snack Hibari bar, has various customers, who are also his gym buddies. They all have their own private troubles and sorrows. Every night, Gon-mama and the bartender, Kaori, serve cocktails suited to the problems of their customers, whispering the language of cocktail. Tonight, Ryoichi Shikai, a dentist, shows up again. Ryoichi is usually a cheerful person, but something big is troubling him.

Directed by Hatsuki Yokoo, Gon-Mama leans on a strong ensemble — Takenori Goto, Motoki Fukami, Kumiko Endo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2022.