Movie Morsels: films for foodies

Posted on 4 October, 2018

Whether it’s reality TV
 or critically-acclaimed
 films, today’s society has a fascination with watching food on screen.

From love stories to ethical dilemmas, tales of friendship to family histories, these movies dish up so much more than what’s on the plate.

JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (2011)

Jiro Ono is an 85-year-old
 sushi master and owner 
of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a tiny restaurant located in a Tokyo subway station. But this is not just any sushi—Jiro has three Michelin stars and only serves a unique tasting menu of roughly 20 pieces that costs a minimum of 30,000 Japanese yen ($363 AUD).

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary that will completely transport you into its subject’s world, and leave you wanting even more.

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY (2014)

Two restaurants, two delicious cuisines, one tenacious Indian family and one regal Helen Mirren combine to create a touching story that proves exquisite food can overcome any barrier.

After the Kadam family arrives in a tiny French village following the destruction of their beloved restaurant in Mumbai, the resulting fusion of Indian and French cooking and cultures will change their lives forever.

OKJA (2017)

Set in the near future, Okja confronts the reality of our food choices. Created to be the ideal food source, the film’s title character is a huge, pig-like animal created by a multinational corporation to satisfy the planet’s ever-increasing demand for meat.

But Okja is also a pet and friend to the young girl who raised it. Thought-provoking and challenging, Okja will make you think twice about what you put on your plate.

JULIE AND JULIA (2009)

In 2002, blogger Julie Powell set herself an ambitious challenge: to recreate all 524 recipes in Julia Child’s iconic cookbook Mastering the Art of French Cooking in 365 days.

This is an intriguing story in itself, but Julie and Julia also deftly weaves Child’s life through the film, resulting in the perfect mix of two true stories and two strong, smart, funny women.

RATATOUILLE (2007)

Remy (a rat) and Linguini (a garbage boy) make an inspired but unlikely culinary combination in this Pixar classic. Remy dreams of becoming a chef while Linguini fails in the kitchen, but together they must maintain the illusion
that Linguini can create dishes to impress France’s top restaurant critic.

Can they do it? Of course.
 But their journey is a hilarious and heart-warming story, even for those viewers over the age of 12 who can predict a fairytale ending.

Feature image: facebook.com/pg/PixarRatatouille