Movies and TV series about maniacal happenings in restaurants, both in the front and back of the house, are massively popular. From the classic “Babette’s Feast” to Hulu’s award-winning crowd pleaser “The Bear,” these dramatized culinary experiences showcase tempting entrees and deal with complex human interactions.
This week, we look at five tasty confections that may have you coming back for seconds, perhaps thirds.
“La Cocina”: Alonso Ruizpalacios masterly gets his point across with immense passion and conviction, and in his newest movie, the “Museo” filmmaker delivers a damning message. In “La Cocina,” he illustrates how immigrants in the U.S. labor force can’t realize the American dream. The black-and-white epic (it’s more than two hours) takes a Robert Altman-like approach, observing and commenting on what transpires on an eventful day near the lunchtime rush at The Grill, a New York restaurant. An $800 discrepancy from the till arouses suspicions from management who point fingers on staffers, including hothead line cook Pedro (Raúl Briones, in a volcanic performance) whose waitress girlfriend (Rooney Mara) is pregnant. The decision to make this film resemble a stage play can be off-putting, as characters intermittently deliver monologues and some directorial choices call too much attention to themselves, such a sudden outburst of color for a sex scene. Yet when Ruizpalacios sticks the landing—a lobster in an aquarium visual metaphor is indelible —and he often does in “La Cocina,” the film enters Michelin-star territory. (Opens Friday at the Roxie in San Francisco)
“The Taste of Things”: It’s best to eat a big meal before savoring this sumptuous romantic feast for the senses from director Tran Anh Hung. Former lovers in real life Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel make an entrancing 19th century pair basking in the creation of their epicurean delights. Both are culinary experts and their intense connection to food complements a simmering attraction she initially resists. The movie begins with a glorious extended sequence of food preparation that will make you salivate and want to book a table at a fine restaurant. At the same time, the love story will bring a tear to your eye. (It streams on Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.)
“The Menu”: The snobby element of foodie culture gets skewered with droll intent in Mark Mylod’s horror satire that has a real venomous bite and cast to die for. Ralph Fiennes has a most delicious time portraying a wacko chef at an exclusive restaurant on a remote island. Two diners (Nicholas Hoult and Anya Taylor-Joy) join tech bros, millionaires and other privileged patrons for numerous courses that start to take a sinister turn as the night goes on. There’s a great ending, too. (It streams on Hulu and Apple TV+.)
“East Side Sushi”: Oakland native Anthony Lucero’s upbeat tale about a single Latina mom (Diana Elizabeth Torres) making career inroads as an Oakland sushi chef is a perfect dramedy for when you’re feeling a bit down. Torres plays Juana, who’s struggling to keep her family, including her dad, financially afloat while hustling at two jobs. She spots a chef wanted sign at an Oakland sushi spot and proves she can roll with the best of them. Aiding her is primary chef Aki (Yutaka Takeuchi), who’s always there to help. But convincing the owner is another matter. “East Side Sushi” celebrates diversity and the fact that everyone has something special to bring the table. (It streams on Starz and Apple TV+)
“Ratatouille”: An industrious rat named Remy comes to Paris where he sees his dream somewhat realized when a chef in need makes him the Wizard of Oz behind the curtain. Remy, the brains behind the chef’s hat, works miracles in the kitchen, until the ruse gets discovered. Among Pixar’s most delightful classics, “Ratatouille” warms the heart, and features some hilarious sequences. (It streams on Disney+, Amazon Prime and Apple TV+.)
The post Pass the Remote: A delicious list of five tasty films for foodies appeared first on Local News Matters.