Best Food Films - any new additions?

[SeoulQueen]

Last time this topic was discussed was back in 2006 so wondering what new or additional food-centric movies have come out since then that are worth watching?

I would certainly mention Julie and Julia. I also just watched a new Japanese movie called Rinco's Restaurant - odd storyline but the scenes involving the food were great.

Here's a brief list of movies already listed in previous threads:

Tampopo
Babette's Feast
Eat Drink Man Woman
Dinner Rush
Big Night
Tortilla Soup
What's
Chocolat
Like Water for Chocolate
What's Cooking

[greygarious]

"Butter" is a 2011 film only being released now. One of the characters is a state fair champion butter-carver. It's a comedy with, apparently, a complicated plot only tangentially connected to the carving. I put it on my Netflix save list.

[myturkishjoys]

One that I really like since it's about Turkey is called "Mustafa's Sweet Dreams." It's about a teenager in SE Turkey who wants to learn how to make the best baklava. It's an endearing movie and one that I especially enjoyed since I live over here now. It has English subtitles.
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/w...

[pearlyriver]

No one has mentioned Hayao Miyazaki films yet. Although food is not featured prominently in his films, all the scenes involving food are to die for. I enjoyed the scenes of gorgeous food in Spirited Away, bento and sushi in Totoro, eggs and bacon in Howl's Moving Castle, ham ramen in Ponyo. Miyazaki seems to have a love affair with food.

[buttertart]

I have a love affair with Miyazaki, nyself. Good point about the food.

[hannah]

Waitress, woman on top and last holiday with queen latifa

[scarberian]

Just watched "Comme Un Chef". Nice, light hearted comedy from France... again the French and food. It's a story of a young wannabe chef who has an uncanny sense of smell, taste and who is a stickler for following classic recipes to the letter. Then there is the well-known Michelin star chef who has lost his passion and creativity and is thinking of maybe calling it quits. It's a good movie watching how these two characters resolve their short comings and re-invent themselves.

[buttertart]

Finally saw "The God of Cookery" and loooooved it. So funny.

[klyeoh]

O M G (of cookery). You mean the one with Stephen Chow? It's an absolute kitsch-classic, with all the crassness which only the "Hollywood of the East" can conjure :-D

[buttertart]

Highly excellent and terrifically enjoyable!

[Motosport]

Not a film but the restaurant scenes in "Treme" make my mouth water.

[Motosport]

Just saw "Today's Special" on Netflix. Great foodie movie.

[Scott_C]

"Step up to the Plate" is a new movie about the Michelin three star restaurant Michel et Sébastien Bras in Laguiole, France. The documentary focuses on the father Michel passing the stewardship of the restaurant to his son Sébastien, much like "Jiro Dreams of Sushi." It's also about the creative process and how childhood shapes one's culinary preferences.

This fascinating documentary is playing in New York City.

[Puffin3]

The Perennial Plate. Excellent series of short vids Just Goggle it. Top right corner click on Episodes.

[Rella]

Others may argue whether this is a 'food film" or not. To me this documentary is too complex to say it is about food, i.e., prepared food/preparing food. But it is one's man search for fulfillment on his farm. At the end of the movie he eventually connects to individuals' concern for food.

Such an uplifting movie.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0439774/

[mariacarmen]

i know this is has been mentioned on another thread, but I can't wait for this:

http://www.magpictures.com/jirodreams...

[scarberian]

That trailer just makes you hungry watching it.

[opinionatedchef]

it opens in boston next week.

[mariacarmen]

and in San Francisco too! very excited....

[peter j]

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is such an inspiring documentary. Go see it.

[scarberian]

Just saw it. Excellent film and and a high recommendation to watch it if you ever get the chance. I of course now have a deep craving for sushi especially for Omakase. What a life he's led and you do feel for the eldest son to hopefully get his chance to fully take over (although it seems he is running the show at times).

[CarrieWas218]

I was in Paris last week and saw posters for this new Jean Reno film, "The Chef"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1911553/c...

"A veteran chef faces off against his restaurant group's new CEO, who wants to the establishment to lose a star from its rating in order to bring in a younger chef who specializes in molecular gastronomy."

It isn't getting that many stars on IMDB, but I'd still love to see it.

[Rella]

It's not even listed on Amazon nor Netflix. I'd like to see it, too! Thanks for posting.

[CarrieWas218]

It wouldn't be on Amazon or Netflix yet - it literally got released to French theaters last week... It is a brand new film.

[opinionatedchef]

i aw a web video preview- looks like alot of fun. I love Jean Reno; not enough of his films available here.

[opinionatedchef]

Watched a really terrific new Korean film last night>>The Recipe. Its beginning is a maguffin(sp) with a murderer and his last words about an amazing soup, but it's really a detective story/romance about the woman who made this amazing soup, her life, and every unique component of the soup. and i mean EVERY; it's very detailed. Perfect for serious foodies in that respect. but not a comedy like Tampopo. Think mystery and romance. with a touch of magical realism.

[Rella]

Thanks for the review. I note that on Netflix, I will have to put in my SAVE que, which has reached 110 saves. I am constantly looking for a movie to put into my current que.

I note that on Netflix there are no reviews yet for The Recipe; too bad.

I'll bet it's one that I will like. Thanks.

I note that El Bulli: Cooking in Progress will be available soon on Netflix.

[Rella]

I watched two movies recently totally about food.

1) Toast - A movie about Nigel Slater

2) Todays Special - a movie about an Indian chef learning to cook Indian

I think these movies got decent reviews, but they were too juvenile for me to enjoy.

[opinionatedchef]

thnx for the warning. will avoid.

[mariacarmen]

so agree on both of those - really facile, Hollywood-type sensibilities.

[Puffin3]

The dinner scene in 'Nothing But Trouble' with John Candy. The movie was terrible but the dinner scene with the toy train running around the table hauling huge sausages and condiments to the guests was IMO hilarious.

[opinionatedchef]

ha! sounds hysterical!

[opinionatedchef]

Saw two excellent food documentaries tonight at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts (MFA). Of the 2 films, I think "Three Stars "by Lutz Hachmeister (2011, 83 min.) was the superior one. It focused on 10 Michelin 3 Star restaurants in Scandinavia, Europe, Japan and the U.S., their chefs, staff and environment. Passion was the operative word for all of these chefs, with focus, commitment, excitement and exhaustion all sharing the mix. Extremely well edited, i learned a great deal from it.

The strength of "El Bulli: Cooking in Progress" was that it gave you a very good idea of what it would be like to work there. There was extended footage of the restaurant in operation, but more time was spent observing the creative process of Adria's team as they spent 6 months in their Barcelona laboratory, experimenting with food stuffs and techniques as they developed the menu of new creations for El Bulli's next season. The significant weakness of the film was that the director failed to take advantage of this unique opportunity to explain Adria's philosophy and genius. While you came away with an understanding of some of that genius, you came away with way too much time spent watching Adria as he tasted and made notes on the many experiments. But still, for the majority of us who never ate at El Bulli, it was a great opportunity to experience the place and its food preparation and presentation, at least visually, from ringside seats!

If you haven't seen these 2, i hope you will seek out their dvds.

[Rella]

I somewhat enjoyed El Bulli, as I had seen another shorter/similar documentary. Most of all I enjoyed the two men Oriol and Eduard; they were my heroes in this film.

I was disappointed at the ending where it showed many dishes being photographed, but I didn't see these lovely dishes on the trays and plates of food being served; actually none of the food being served left me wanting to try it. Yes, I know it is not 'comfort' food.

I was amazed at the beautiful kitchens, and the lack of noise and chaos. Wondering how many of these 35 tasty bits would leave the guests crying for more. One is not to ask how much a seating might cost.

I imagine that the movie did capture the spirit of El Bulli, and it is quite interesting, but something about the process left me a bit uncomfortable.

[stellamystar]

If you have not seen the BBC series "Manor House" - DO IT! not only is it SUPERB "reality" TV but the food, dining culture, and Upstairs/Downstairs life is AMAZING. I got the book which has all those Edwardian period recipes. Think "Two Fat Ladies" kind of cooking.
It's on Netflix and most libraries.
Any of those BBC/PBS period reality shows have FAB food scenes and information.

[scarberian]

One film not mentioned is Amadeus. Although not really a foodie film, food does play an important role in the film. Just the decadence of the table of food when we are first introduced to the adult Mozart at the palace, or how can anyone forget when Salieri tries to entice Mozart's wife with the dessert "nipples of Venus" (small cake like mounds). It was also during a lunch scene that a young Salieri gets his freedom when his father chokes on some food. And lots of scenes where wine is being consumed like water.

[Rella]

The many Chinese/Korean films that we watch most all incorporate eating/food, no matter how small the kitchen/dining area. I always enjoy this. We watched a Japanese film this last week -- I will not mention the name because it was pretty horrific - where the main mother of the house was told to fix dinner. I could see no stove in the room and the room was ultra modern. She took out a number of cellophaned packages of food and put them into some sort of appliance - something like a microwave, which I've never seen before, and the next scene was a table full of these little dishes all prepared. This scene happened twice in the movie. I suppose this is a spoof or even an accepted way of preparation in Japan now - I don't know. I'll bet opinionedchef knows of this movie.

[opinionatedchef]

gosh, rella, you're ahead of me! never seen it !

[Rella]

This movie is pretty somber, so you may have passed it by. Certainly not a food movie, but has the two funny, quite unusual food scenes as mentioned above in it.

"Cold Fish" Director:Shion Sono

http://movies.netflix.com/WiMovie/Col...

[Strangewine]

I like Killing Flies - doc on Kenny Shopsin. Awesome!

[Motosport]

The Big Night
La Grande Bouffe
Fatso

[madeliner]

Finally someone who appreciates the movie that is Fatso :)

Great movie!! very funny

another link :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6Sghd...

[Motosport]

"You ^%$&^%*^ you ate the ONY!!!" I saw the film for the first time with a couple who met one another at an O.A. meeting!! They loved the "Chubby Checkers" scenes.

[njmarshall55]

"Ok...everybody stop trottin'"

[vanderb]

The Trip, recent British comedy about a couple of almost friends visiting country restaurants and all the hilariousness that goes with it.

[opinionatedchef]

Just this week i have seen two excellent documentaries, through my local (MA.) library network.
The Restauranteur, about Danny Meyer and opening 2 NYC restnts.
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/819602
and
Guy Martin, Portrait of a Grand Chef
we just saw this last night and it was a really well done detailed look at a creative 3 star Michelin chef, his past and present. Many interviews w/ him, plus trips to wine, cheese, caviar, etc. artisans and vendors, and shopping and chefing ventures in Japan. From a food perspective (not the primarily visual draw of the pastry contest film), this is the best film i've seen.

[racer x]

Some other memorable, if more morbid, films with food themes (from a past discussion on chow
http://www.chow.com/food-news/53847/f... )

Who Is Killing the Great Chef's of Europe? (1978) - George Segal & Jacqueline Bisset; particularly memorable scene with Robert Morley and a bombe to die for

Theatre of Blood (1972) - Robert Morley again, this time with Vincent Price in a takeoff from Shakespeare's Titus Andronicus

The Meaning of Life (1983) - the Mr. Creosote scene (of course), but also the "it was the salmon mousse!" scene

American Psycho (2000) - the opening credits scene, where the waiters list the specialties of the day; and all the references to trying to get seats at popular 5-star Manhattan restaurants at the last minute

Salò (1975) - Pasolini's extremely disturbing political allegory; this is a very hard film to watch, but I don't think I will ever be able to erase it from memory

Hannibal (2001) - this one is not for the squeamish! You'll never think about brains in the same way again!

honorable mention to A Matter of Taste (Une Affaire de goût, 1999) - the story drags at times so the film overall merits only 1 1/2 out of 5 stars; but still an interesting plot, in which a young man accepts an offer to be the personal food taster of a wealther older eccentric

[Rella]

I've seen A Matter of Taste (Une Affaire de Goute), as I rated it a 3*, but I watch so many movies, I'm not sure if it is the same as:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUnCy-kAvGU
or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUnCy-...

The trailer looks quite intriguing.

[racer x]

No, Rella, that's a different film.

The one I meant is this one
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0217119/

a clip from it (in French) here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpJhYX...

[opinionatedchef]

hmmm, watched A matter of taste after you reminded me of it here. I liked it much better than you.

8/10 for me. Very intriguing identity questions which often fascinate me. I was very surprised that it has no discussion on IMDB.

I am reminded of some food scenes (as opposed to food films) that I liked:

-- In My Best Friend's Wedding,there is a fun scene w/ julia roberts and rupert everett and charlie trotter in Charlie Trotter's

-- L.A. Story has that fabulous scene w/ the round table of people all ordering increasingly complicated coffee versions.

-- the dinner table scene in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Steve Martin as Ruprecht , w/ the cork stuck on his fork tines, and the eye patch. Such fun!

-- Shirley Temple in Poor Little Rich Girl, trying to eat spaghetti for the first time in her life.....

To this day I cannot eat strands of pasta w/o thinking of that scene.

The unfortunately deceased culinary museum in Napa had a room showing a continuously looping series of film food scenes.

[racer x]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned one of my favorites,
Vatel (2000) - Gérard Depardieu as chef Vatel cooking a feast to impress Louis XIV.

Or, more recently, Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette (2006), with Kirsten Dunst in the title role.

[opinionatedchef]

Au Petit Margaux is a wonderful French film about the family that surrounds a dedicated French chef. One of my fav scenes in any film:

(Chef and family live above the restnt): a young 7?year old boy wakes in the middle of the night and wanders down into the restnt kitchen in his pjs, rubbing his eyes and yawning. He opens the walk-in, enters, and climbs up on a step ladder. He brings down a hen shaped ceramic terrine. He then exits the walk-in and closes it, places the heavy terrine on a stainless steel prep table, and hauls himself up next to it. He removes the top of the hen ceramic. The next morning, his father, the restnt chef, finds the boy asleep and curled up next to the terrine, spoon in hand, and little left in the ceramic. !!

[opinionatedchef]

correction: the correct title is Au petit Marguery.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112410/

[racer x]

Looks good. Will have to see it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zb3-PU...

I think one of those actors played the butcher's daughter in Delicatessen.

[opinionatedchef]

racer, a film afficianado after my own heart. That is REALLY spooky, as:

1) you are correct (in your linked film clip, she is in the orange top, near the rightr end of the table) and, get this,

2) i just finished watching........Delicatessen!!!

i adore jeunet. my hero.

[Rella]

"Delicatessen" is 'free' streaming if you are a paid member of netflix.

[opinionatedchef]

i just ADORED the scene with the frog and snail man in the basement, (with the pyramid of snail shells), particularly when he put on the frog eyes and had the party favor/frog's tongue that blew out to catch the fly. pure genius!!

[opinionatedchef]

Challenge: name 3 other films, aside from Delicatessen, where turning humans into meals is a major plot point.

[Lizard]

Just off the top of my head:
Eat the Rich
Eating Raoul
Sweeney Todd
How Tasty was my little Frenchman
The Green Butchers
Dumplings (although some might challenge me on this)

[Rella]

Thanks for the list. I just added to my netflix list: How Tasty was my little Frenchman, and Eat the Rich. Both on streaming yeah! I've seen the rest. Keep 'em coming, I've run out of just anything to 'add' to my movies to see so I am grateful.

[opinionatedchef]

chapeaux! lizard. i didn't think anyone would get Green Butchers(the writer of that is one of my fav writer/directors) but you did! just in case it might be of interest, you and others, there is an international google film group i'm part of that watches and discusses films; one director per month. if you want more info or a link, email me at opinionatedchefatcomcastdotnet.

[Rella]

Is it alright if I email you? I've been watching international films since the 1964.

[opinionatedchef]

of course!

[Lizard]

Thanks, chef. I'm very tempted. This falls into my line of work, actually, so I'm wondering if it would be too much of a good thing; or more cause for procrastination... But hmmmmm.

[512window]

What? No mention of the classic?
Soylent Green

[Rella]

The real deal?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8Hy-x...

Transplant me, please

[racer x]

"The Help." Do NOT watch this movie if you're on a diet!
Nothing gourmet, just plenty of (Southern) American comfort-foods like fried chicken, deviled eggs, ambrosia salad, and various pies.

[Billy33]

'Romantics Anonymous' - a very cute recent French film featuring chocolate and chocolatiers.

[Rella]

That's on my "save" list at Netflix. Needless to say, I have 136 movies that they have put on "Save" until they decide to get them.
Eventually, I suppose. Thanks for the suggestion.

[opinionatedchef]

YES! i forgot that. Wasn't that a delight?! I saw it at the annual Boston MFA French Film Fest this past July.

[madeliner]

FATSO! :) Love that movie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DkeWQB9h-o
trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUhO2G...
"gimme the honey"
hilarious!

Lots and lots of food related stuff (obviously)

[kerosundae]

If we're including documentaries, I'm surprised not to see any mention of Food Inc and End of the Line

[Rella]

I liked Food Inc. a lot. There are similar movies that are interesting to me as well.

I don't know if this film has been mentioned, but it is about juicing, and encouraged (or brainwashed?) me to try juicing again - DH is opening the juicing box as I write this.

Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead.is the name of it.

Both "Food Inc:. and "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" are both on Netflix FWIW.

[rteplow]

Highly recommend "Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands". Try to get it with subtitles instead of dubbed so you can hear the Brazilian Portuguese. Great food content, but it's also very funny.

No one mentioned the feast in "Tom Jones"?!

[buttertart]

You're right about Dona Flor! Wonderful movie and the book is even better.
Tom Jones (one of the best scenes ever) has been mentioned before on other threads.

[scarberian]

Another flick from last year not mentioned is "It's Complicated" with Merryl Streep (that gives her 2 foodie films!). It's a romantic comedy with her as a popular baker caught in a love triangle with Steve Martin (who's her architect) and Alec Baldwin (Merryl's ex-husband). Very entertaining film with many scenes involving food.

[picklelicious]

Has anyone ever mentioned Flashdance for the scene where Jennifer Beals ate the lobster, I must say that was one tasty looking shellfish.

[scarberian]

Here's one for going out on a limb... Return Of The Dragon or Way of The Dragon (both titles were used). The synopsis, a man visits his family in Italy to help them run their restaurant and defend it against a ruthless mob. C'mon! It has Italy, a Chinese restaurant and Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris! What more can you ask? I do recall one scene where some henchmen sit at a table in the family restaurant and one of them asks the waiter if they had any "Chinese spare ribs". The waiter replies that he never heard of it and then gets hit in the ribs. The funny part is I remember years later seeing "Chinese spare ribs" on a Canadian-Chinese restaurant menu. ;D

Oh and let's not forget "Kung-Fu Panda". Food was always a central part of the movie and it helped Po immensely in his training. I know it was just a cartoon, but I ended up getting a craving for noodle soup (pho, ramen, etc.) and steamed buns.

[vanderb]

I see Eating Raoul was noted but not the follow up Eat the Rich and in the vein of TV shows, the British classic Chef with Lenny Henry. I don't think I've ever laughed as hard as when I watched Chef, I believe it was on British TV (not sure which broadcaster) in the early to mid 90's.

[klyeoh]

Loved Chef. It was on BBC One.

[Gio]

We watched Chef religiously on the Boston PBS channel. Did you know Lenny Henry is married to Dawn French?... aka The Vicar of Dibley. Also one of the funniest BBC programs ever made especially with the weird concoctions that the character Letitia Cropley made...to quote from Wiki:

"She was the creator of such revolting "delicacies" as; "Bread and butter pudding surprise" (a recipe for which she was breeding snails), Marmite cake (which she served for Frank's birthday), orange cake with Branston Pickle icing (which she served at the cake stall at the Dibley autumn fayre), chocolate mixed with cod roe, parsnip brownies, plain pancakes- with just a "hint" of liver, and chocolate spread sandwiches (with some taramosalata)..."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vica...

[512window]

If you're going to throw TV shows into the mix: Posh Nosh

[racer x]

Huge fan of Posh Nosh!

[crowmuncher]

Como agua para chocolate (Like Water for Chocolate)

La graine et le mulet (The Secret of the Grain)

[scarberian]

Here's a new entry because it actually just came out last year (2010). The movie is called "Toast" and it's a BBC film (not sure if tv only or if it went to a theatrical release) about the early life of Nigel Slater. He's a big tv foodie celeb in Britain and the movie was, IMHO, excellent. It stars Helen Bonham Carter, Freddy Highmore and a bunch of English actors whom I have no clue if I've ever seen them before.

Nigel Slater is first and foremost a foodie and the movie shows that he started out as a foodie at a very young age while his parents were very set in their boring British ways with food. The title itself is Mr. Slater's affection for toast and how it's his comfort food. Mr. Slater is also a cook, food critic, food writer and, as mentioned before, a popular British television foodie celeb. The meal scenes, his search for real food that didn't come from a tin, and Nigel's interactions with Mrs. Potter (Bonham Carter) are quite entertaining. Go watch it.

[Rella]

Thanks for your review.

I see that "Toast" is available on Netflix which I subscribe to. I have two films on order to rent, but 147 films in my que that have been saved-but not available. They have raised significantly their prices effective September - I may never get to see it, but it has been on my list as these shows are of interest; besides it has been given a 4 star rating.

[Caitlin McGrath]

I posted this upthread, but Toast is being released theatrically in the US on October 7. Netflix has it listed, but only to save; because it's being released theatrically, it's not out on DVD yet in the US.

[CarrieWas218]

I am appreciative of this thread to have informed me about Toast. I downloaded it and wasn't blown away, but mildly amused...

[mariacarmen]

i saw it on the big screen. i agree. very mildly.

[Debbie M]

Last year I posted on the SF board about the Japanese movie "The Chef of the South Polar" ('Nankyoku Ryorinin"), about the chef at a research station in Antarctica. I'm not sure how easy it is to get a hold of (but there's definitely a print with English subtitles), but if you ever get a chance to see it, it's very good.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/745874

[jill kibler]

only a scene-Fisher King (sp) chinese resto, chasing the dumplings around the table!!!!

[sinjawns]

Just recently saw "The Trip"... a goofy and occasionally hilarious psuedo-doc featuring Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan touring fine restaurants in the north of England. Based on a BBC series that I have not yet seen, but want to.

http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/in...

[dryrain]

I have not seen the film but the series is good think its 6 parts so a bit longer than the film version. They are looking at making another series which will be based in France. I can already picture some of the comedy scenes!

[scarberian]

I agree with "The Trip". It's an excellent movie IF you're into dialogue and British humour. I love the scenes when they impersonate celebs or when they do a scene from James Bond while drinking wine.

Now on that note, regarding wine, I don't think I've seen anyone mention "Sideways" with Paul Giamatti, Virginia Madsen, Sandra Oh, and Haden Church. Excellent movie revolving one man's obsession with wine and his annual trip through the Napa valley.

[caseyjo]

I was going to mention Sideways as well. It's one of my favorite films of any variety, even though it's responsible for many people annoying claiming that they don't like merlot because they think it makes them a wine snob. Although as a former Santa Barbara resident, I must mention that it takes place on the central coast, not Napa ;-)

[scarberian]

Thanks for that correction! For some reason I thought it was Napa and Giamatti's character mentioning it. I did watch it after a trip to Napa so maybe I had Napa on the brain! =D BTW amazing tasting trip that was...

[Chinon00]

The hotel scene from 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Not a "food" film but I appreciate how in that scene they used DINING (with fine crystal and formal dress) to symbolize man at the highest point of his evolutionary development. 

[dryrain]

No one will agree with me on this one but I liked a movie called Ramen Girl. The acting is not good and thew story is not very strong. But the passion the main character has for noodles I can really relate to. She has a love for noodles that I can totally understand.

[girloftheworld]

boiling point( documentary about kids competing for culinary school scholarships it is very inspiring I bet it will be made into a feature film)

Ratatouille( Ok I am a kid cut me some slack)

Simply Irresistible( a cooking witch how fun silly but fun)

my other favourites have been named

Just movie scenes? Marie Antoinette sofia Coppola version

[cleobeach]

I thought Boiling Point was very, very good. I broke down into tears at the end, I was so emotionally invested in the outcome.

We love Ratatouille at our house. At 4 yo, my son would dress up in his "chef cooker outfit" and help me make dinner while watching it. We have the DVD and I let him watch it once in a while when we are in the kitchen.

[scarberian]

I think I'm one of the few that didn't really care for Ratatouille. I wanted to like it, but IMO it was just boring. I found that Ratatouille wasn't as funny or entertaining as the other Pixar films. Food scenes were good though.

Now on the tube there was Little Rascals (the original b & w features). They had many episodes that revolved around food like when the "gang" tried to sabotage their favourite teacher's engagement dinner by "spicing" up the meal. Or when Stymie convinced Spanky's mean cousin (?) to cook eggs and ham so they could hear it talk. Or when some of the gang went over to Darla's house for her father's birthday and ate most of the roast chicken... mmmm that chicken sure looked good.

[stellamystar]

Scarberian - YES! I know the exact Lil Rascals episode you're talking about with the engagement party. My brain just went back about 25 years instantly to my childhood! Thanks for that one!

[scarberian]

Was it noodles they were eating?

Alfalfa to another student after eating the spicy concoction, "Do you ever take a cold shower in the morning?"
Student replies, "No, I'd rather swim in the ocean, it's colder."
Alfalfa, "Well, I'm gonna take a cold shower every morning!"

[Rella]

I agree with you. "Ramen Girl" was really fun for me.

"Kings of Pastry" was darned good -- and I don't have a huge appetite for pastries.

[Sandwich_Sister]

I was going to mention Ramen Girl as well. I thought it was cute.

[klyeoh]

What about the 1978 film, "Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe", starring George Segal & jacqueline Bisset? That was the first foodie film I'd ever seen.

Some movies which have significant food scenes:

- The Age of Innocence, that one long food scene of a Victorian banquet was unbelievable!!

- Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, oooh, that Southern dinner party scene.

[CarrieWas218]

Wow - no one has mentioned Le Grande Bouffe or Feast At Midnight...

Not to mention Cannibal, The Musical...

[klyeoh]

How could anyone forget Le Grande Bouffe?! 4 guys committing suicide by eating themselves to death!

[wew]

kneading and rolling dough. Excellent choice of utensil.

[scarberian]

No one's mentioned "Diner". Great Americana film with many of the scenes taking place in the groups favourite diner. Makes me want a good old fashioned greasy burger and fries every time I watch it.

I saw this Japanese movie (sorry can't remember the title) but it was about a woman trying to establish a soup restaurant in a male dominated industry. Excellent scenes where they show her being taught by a former "soup master" and the key characteristics that make the perfect soup. Just watching her make the broth and the noodles and the slurping sound when they eat the soup makes you want to go out and get some.

Under a Tuscan Sun had some pretty good food scenes in it from the harvesting of the olives to when Diane Lane learns how to cook.

How about the food scene from 9 1/2 weeks, does that count? ;)

[512window]

Your Japanese movie is Tampopo, listed #1 by the OP.

ob topic: Harold and Kumar go to White Castle

[dryrain]

I am trying to get Tampopo now but seems its a hard movie to find.

[klyeoh]

Very difficult to find. I got my copy 2 years ago in Hong Kong: the IFC cinema's bookshop - the DVD costed about US$70!

[dryrain]

I think luck is with me today found it on Ebay and they are not askign crazy money for it.

[Rella]

Thanks for reminding me to try to put some DVD's on ebay. I put three seasons of "...." on Amazon a week or so ago and it seems they are taking more money from the seller than they used to do.

(I rarely rate a movie 4 stars on Netflix, but I see that I did rate Tampopo 4*. Enjoy!)

[klyeoh]

Lucky you. Tampopo may be kitsch, but it's a classic & definitely a collectible.

My personal #1 foodie film is Babette's Feast. The ending was so very touching when Babette, upon revealing to the two sisters (her benefactors) that she'd spent every single cent she'd won from the lottery on that incredible dinner simply said, "An artist is never poor".

Tears came into my eyes - not sure if it's because I trhought it was such a beautiful, selfless gesture from Babette, or the fact that the most talented woman chef in the world chose to forgo the opportunity to return to Paris and stayed on in Jutland, a virtual Danish culinary wasteland (2 centuries before Noma's René Redzepi showed the world you can churn out a summer salad from beech leaves, pickled elderflowers and spruce & axelberry shoots!)

[jwerlin]

No one has mentioned "Kings of Pastry." An excellent doc about the chef finalists going for their MOF.

[qianning]

Liked that one. Another good documentary is "Pressure Cooker" about a group of high school students in culinary program.

[nc213]

I was going to suggest both "Kings of Pastry" and "Pressure Cooker." I cannot imagine a foodie not loving "Kings of Pastry." A gripping story.

Also, two docs that are new (and may be coming to theaters before DVD)--Jiro Dreams of Sushi and El Bulli. Saw both at a film festival earlier this year and would recommend both.

[Wahooty]

SOME. BODY. GET. THE PICKLES.

I love this woman.

I actually gasped when I saw who was judging them in the final. This is some serious shit.

What a great movie.

[Riverman500]

Here's the trailer for a new documentary on Chef Paul Liebrandt of Corton.
http://www.amouthfulthefilm.com/trail...

[AngelSanctuary]

TV movies count right? Well I recently saw Toast from the BBC which was quite good. It's about food writer Nigel Slater from his childhood to when he started his career. It kinda explores his relationship with food in regards with different people. From making mincemeat pies with his mum, to using it to gain his father's affection. It's pretty humorous at times but also has touching moments.

Also there was a funny scene in the beginning where his father was outside his room and he was making sounds kinda like something more naughty but then he was actually just looking at a cookbook ha, food porn indeed.

[Caitlin McGrath]

Toast will be released as a feature film in the US on October 7.

[tcamp]

Just watched Toast on Netflix and enjoyed it greated. I love Helena Bonham Carter.

[shoo bee doo]

The Duchess of Duke Street. A British series created in 1976. I've only seen the first few episodes so far, but it was full of wonderful food. You can get this on Netflix.

[toodie jane]

I saw it on TV for the MT original broadcast. It was marvelous then in the 70's, still good now. Her attention to detail and the way it was carried on throughout the entire series, year after year. Louisa Trotter, my hero.

When Netflix went to live viewing, I watched the entire series start to finish, every night till done.

[shoo bee doo]

Interesting. I only saw the first three streaming, then Netflix pulled it off for DVD only. So I'm eager to see the rest, though it won't be as convenient.

Yes Louise Trotter is wonderful so far. I was amazed with that detail way back in the 70's. I'm looking forward to the rest.

[pinkprimp]

Artois the Goat (2009) - a little on the (unnecessarily) longer side but I loved all the cheese shots.

[ospreycove]

"The Best of Youth", La meglio gioventù, (original title), directed by Marco Giordana; good food scenes, used as props not features.

[Delucacheesemonger]

Saw it today thanks to you, the early cheese shots were pornography.

[boredough]

Mostly Martha (German film remade into the horrid "No Reservations")
Secret of the Grain (French)

[mariacarmen]

i thought i talked about that movie on this thread, or maybe this one:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/409794
but now i can't find it.
i agree, No Reservations was terrible. Mostly Martha good.

[toodie jane]

Yes! Mostly Martha was a fantastic film. Netflix has it. The food focus of Martha was laser-like. The poor therapist.

[soupkitten]

my fave scene is in the hospital, when martha is trying to coax her niece to eat after the tragic car accident. she lifts the heat lid on the plate of hospital food, like "how bad can it be?" --and then the look of disbelief and horror on her face, in the midst of everything else going on. just brilliant acting. nailed it.

[Kurtis]

MM has nice collection of sound track by really great artists such as Keith Jarrett and Arvo Part that were tastefully selected to compliment the scene beautifully.

[klyeoh]

"Mostly Martha" was a very special film. Didn't think much of "No Reservations", maybe the leads were too, well, Hollywood-ish.

[chezdy]

I loved Pieces of April - Very touching film.

[512window]

Julie and Julia isn't mentioned yet.

Two others that aren't thought of as "food movies" but have a big focus on food are Goodfellows (cooking in prison, the dinner at Mom's, Henry cooking his sauce) and Hitchcock's Frenzy where the B plot concerns the police detective's wife's obsession with gourmet cooking.

[Augie6]

on the Goodfellos line, in one of the Godfather's they talk about making sauce for a group of people (not exactly a foodie movie, but cool part)

I know Dinner Rush was mentioned, but I really wish i could eat at his place tonight!!!!

[bobbert]

Talking about The Godfather, the all-time best food referenced line in any movie was spoken by Clemenza, "Leave the gun, take the cannoli".

[SeoulQueen]

Quite a few food-centric films that I have never heard about! Thanks everyone!

[AntarcticWidow]

Today's Special, 2009. An indie film directed by David Kaplan. A young sous chef, Samir (Amir Arison) is turned down for a promotion to run the kitchen in an exclusive restaurant in Manhattan. He is about to head for Europe to attend a culinary academy in Paris, but ends up having to take over the family business (an Indian restaurant in Queens) after his father is taken ill. Samir's mother is played by Madhur Jaffrey. A foodie friend of mine saw this at the 2010 Mill Valley Film Festival. Not yet available on Netflix.

In my Netflix queue: "A Touch of Spice", 2003. Greek with subtitles. I found a trailer online and am looking forward to watching this. It is a story about a young Greek boy (Fanis) growing up in Istanbul, whose grandfather, a culinary philosopher and mentor, teaches him that both food and life require a little salt to give them flavor; they both require... A touch of spice. But the family is deported back to Greece, where Fanis grows up to become an excellent cook and uses his cooking skills to spice up the lives of those around him. 35 years later he leaves Athens and travels back to his birthplace of Istanbul to reunite with his grandfather and his first love; he travels back only to realize that he forgot to put a little bit of spice in his own life.

[mariacarmen]

I saw Today's Special. thought it was a bit trite, tho the food scenes are good. sorry, more than a bit trite. just a warning.

[AntarcticWidow]

Thanks for the head's up, I'll keep that in mind :)

[qianning]

trite, but charming.

[woodleyparkhound]

Food, Inc. Brilliant doc about where our food comes from.

[MidCoastMaineiac]

I 2nd Food, Inc. The type of movie that could just possibly disturb us enough to change our eating habits.

[SeoulQueen]

I want to see this because it will probably show where most of our mass produced food comes from.

And I don't want to see this because it will probably show where most of our mass produced food comes from!

[Strangewine]

Excellent!

[erikschwarz]

Best animated feature food film:
Ratatouille.

Best sci-fi film about food:
Soylent Green

Most longwinded:
My Dinner with Andre

Darkest "family film":
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

And though not a fave of mine, some like:
Mystic Pizza

Have not seen but heard good things about:
Fast Food Nation
Super Size Me

Vilest food films:
Delicatessen
The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover
Eating Raoul
The Road to Wellville

And finally, most unnecessary remake of a classic Charlie Chaplin bit:
Werner Herzog Eats His Shoe

[klyeoh]

Re: "The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover" - that roasted human at the end -unforgettable. And Helen Mirren's immortal quote, "Try the c*ck, I hear it's a delicacy".

[buttertart]

Who better than la Helen to say that?

[small h]

She continues, "and you know where it's been." I was inspired to watch the scene again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbs39F...

[klyeoh]

Oh yes - telling that to her husband :-D Oh Gawd, that was such a classic!!

[bobbert]

“I Like Killing Flies” – Interesting from a food perspective. Great from a philosophical perspective. Documentary on Kenny Shopsin’s Greenwich Village restaurant. Fairly vulgar. Not for the kids.

[woodleyparkhound]

Loved this doc!

[stellamystar]

I loved I LIKE KILLING FLIES. Just wonderful .....

[Strangewine]

Great movie. His book is pretty good as well.

[stellamystar]

He has a book? oh awesome! Does it have recipes? :)

[mariacarmen]

YES IT DOES! i loved the movie, loved the book, and went to NY two years ago and ate at his place and met him! he cussed at us, it was fantastic!

[stellamystar]

How awesome! :) I can't wait to get it!!!!

[bobbert]

It's called (what else): Eat Me: The Food and Philosophy of Kenny Shopsin

[soupkitten]

i received this book as a gift. i kind of like it, but i read it as a cool historical document-- i doubt i'd use too many of the recipes. some of the unconventional techniques to produce diner foods interest me. others, like using a burrito-size flour tortilla dipped in egg batter to make a "crepe". . . uh, not so much, thanks.

shopsin's "voice" is unmistakable and entertaining. i keep meaning to start a thread on what i call the "kenny shopsin syndrome"-- owners of small establishments who insist on writing and playing by their own sometimes eccentric rules, in the face of bland corporate customer-is-always-right chain restaurant models. i think some of the best independent food is created by these sometimes lovable, sometimes detested curmudgeons. what is it about their intractable nature that makes them produce excellent food and ill will, in equal measure? folks love 'em or hate 'em, that's for sure. ;-P

i think it would be an interesting discussion, but every thread i participate in lately that isn't about green beans seems to get locked. the love/hate for the kenny shopsins, soup nazis, and other culinary characters of mixed repute would probably bring out posts from folks with differing povs on the subject/s, and disagreement doesn't seem to be tolerated any more on the site.

but i recommend the book as a neat light read, maybe you can get from the library.

[mariacarmen]

i agree - I haven't made anything from the book. But I loved reading it. Though nothing is good as the movie. great character study. even their old stove is a character, as it is pulled, groaning, dripping with years-old grease, practically wincing into the bright sunshine to its new home. The family, while eccentric, is lovable. And the cooking scenes are fascinating.

And you're right soupkitten, there is a real allure to being "mistreated" by a now-famous, curmudgeonly proprietor - you belong to the club. i was thrilled sitting in his space. he sat at the table next to us, conversing with customers as they finished their food, then turned his attention to us. I sat on pins and needles, in fear of "scaring him off" as tho he were some wild exotic animal. my BF conversed with him freely, and i could tell Shopsin enjoyed the conversation. It was a total star-f*cker moment for me, i'm not ashamed to say. and the food was GOOD.

[stellamystar]

I just read the entire book in one evening. Loved all of it and can't wait to try the Mac & Cheese pancakes, Chili, or his fabulous soup recipes. And, I love his odd techniques - perfect for the budget/savvy minded frugal gourmet. In a tiny lil kitchen, ya gotta make it work for you. I actually learned some new tricks from the book and can't wait to use them.....

[LiveRock]

Thank you for the recommendation bobbert. Streamed it from Netflix last night and thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Delucacheesemonger]

Thanks for the head's up, did not know it existed, streamed it and saw tonight. Thanks again.

[fm1963]

"I am Love" with Tilda Swinton, where she has an affair with the a gourmet chef. Nominated this year for Golden Globe Best Foreign Film, and you can watch it instantly on Netflix.

Lots of great food scenes. Don't miss it!

[Siun]

Just watched and really enjoyed I Am Love - the food is wonderful!

Also, dare I say it - enjoyed the food section in Eat, Pray, Love

[klyeoh]

Re: "I Am Love" - didn't quite like the movie, and thought the food/cooking scenes were quite lame. But Tilda Swinton - she's a Goddess!!

[dryrain]

I agree with you about 'I am Love' the scene where she is at the table and eating really translated well on screen. Showing that when you have great food how much emotion it can bring you.

[Rella]

I really liked the movie, too.
I Am Love (Io Sono L'Amore)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1226236/