List
What's to Eat?
Devour some delicious movies about food, cooking, chefs, and restaurants.
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East Side Sushi
2016Get this itemA charming movie about a single mom's determination to make a better life for herself and her family. A job in a sushi restaurant transforms into a new life goal: be a master sushi chef. Wonderfully acted and surprisingly touching. I loved this movie from beginning to end. Recommended by Lynnanne.
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The Lunchbox
2014Get this itemThis gentle, near perfect film revolves around a neglected Mumbai housewife and a widowed office worker who accidentally receives a delectable lunch she had intended for her husband. It's all perfectly innocent, though a genuine undercurrent of sadness and longing lingers, and a romantic spark is fanned. A rare and delicious slice of comfort food. Recommended by Chris.
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Soul Food
2000Get this itemA heartwarming family movie centered on a Sunday family dinner tradition. A matriarch brings everyone together with her mouthwatering dishes. At the table, the family learns fellowship despite their differences. When illness strikes the family, bickering slowly starts to tear the family apart. Recommended by Michelle.
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Mostly Martha
2002Get this itemMaster chef Martha is great with food. However, she’s not so good at relating to people. Unexpectedly, Martha becomes the guardian of her eight-year-old niece, and at the same time she must put up with Mario, the relentlessly charming Italian chef hired by the restaurant. Call this the perfect mixture for a delightful movie night. The American remake of this German film is No Reservations. Recommended by Sharon.
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Big Night
1997Get this itemSet in 1950's New Jersey, two brothers, Primo (Tony Shalhoub) and Secondo (Stanley Tucci), make one last attempt to save their restaurant by preparing a grand dinner for legendary jazz entertainer Louis Prima. Tucci also co-wrote the screenplay and co-directed. Want more food tales from Tucci? Be sure to check out his new book Taste: My Life through Food. Recommended by Sharon.
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Babette's Feast
2001Get this itemBabette, a refugee from the French civil war, prepares a gourmet meal to honor the two elderly sisters who gave her sanctuary over the years in this film set in 19th century Denmark. The pious leaders of the close-knit community are scandalized and vow not to enjoy the dinner. By the end, everyone is pleasantly surprised. Based on the short story by Isak Dinesen, this won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. You'll love all the glorious shots of food prep. Recommended by Sharon.
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Eat Drink Man Woman
2002Get this itemEvery Sunday, Chu prepares a culinary masterpiece for his three daughters, not knowing any other way to communicate. They disregard his hard work, and Chu is at a loss—until he finds his own secret ingredient for happiness. This movie served as inspiration for the American comedy-drama Tortilla Soup. Recommended by Sharon.
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Chungking Express
Get this itemA fast food restaurant is the link for two stories about two lovesick police officers, each recovering from broken relationships. One befriends a mysterious woman and pours his heart out, not realizing that she is involved in drug smuggling. The other meets a perky young waitress, but hardly notices that she has a crush on him and that she has surreptitiously invaded his life. Written and directed by Wong Kar-Wai, this fan favorite has so many memorable moments. For me—the cans of pineapple that expire on May 1 and Faye Wong California dreaming. Recommended by Sharon.
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The Biggest Little Farm
2019Get this itemThis life affirming documentary tells how one couple made their farming dreams come true. It all has to start somewhere. Recommended by Sharon.
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Ratatouille
2007Get this itemA country mouse with sophisticated taste buds and a talent for cooking gets the chance of a lifetime--to be the head chef in a posh Paris restaurant via the awkward kitchen apprentice. And why not? This Academy Award-winning animated feature is a sure bet for all ages. Recommended by Sharon.
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Last Holiday
2006Get this itemWhen Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) thinks that she only has a few weeks left to live, she quits her job, gathers her life savings, and checks into a swanky European resort. Her carelessness with money and zest for adventure lead to unexpected results, not to mention some very scrumptious meals prepared by the famous Chef Didier. Recommended by Sharon.
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Back to Burgundy
2018Get this itemLearning that their father is ill, three siblings reunite to decide the next steps concerning the family vineyard, a place where there are dreams as well as heartache that each must come to terms with. You'll pick up a bit of knowledge about wine growing while enjoying some beautiful scenery. Recommended by Sharon.
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The Cakemaker
2018Get this itemThis quietly devastating meditation on grief and healing takes place almost entirely in an Israeli kosher cafe, where the camera often lingers over the sweet confections being made by the title character. Recommended by Chris.
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Sweet Bean
2019Get this itemOne of the sweetest food-themed movies around, and it's a great introduction to the Japanese pastry doriyaki, which is a red-bean pancake. Recommended by Sharon.
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Food Wars! Season 1
2017Get this itemHow do I properly explain Food Wars to anybody? It’s truly going to be a unique experience. The story follows Souma Yukihira and his mission to win the Tootsuki Culinary Academy’s “Food Wars” competition. The manga art/animation of the food is absolutely phenomenal; but please keep in mind, this gem is definitely for an older audience. Recommended by Penny.
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The Trip
2011Get this itemIn this first in a film series, actor/comedians Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon play fictionalized versions of themselves, two frenemies partnering on a restaurant tour for a journal assignment. Here, they eat and banter their way through northern England. In the second they go to Italy, the third to Spain, then the fourth and final to Greece. These make for an ideal armchair travel binge. Recommended by Sharon.
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