Films about the food industry often delve into the complexities of the culinary world, shedding light on the challenges, triumphs, and sometimes the darker side of the industry. These films explore the artistry of food, the passion of chefs, and the impact of food on our lives, from farm to table.
“Chef”, 2014
Director: Jon Favreau
Directed by Jon Favreau, this film follows a talented chef who starts a food truck business after quitting his job at a prestigious restaurant. It explores the journey of rediscovering his passion for cooking and the joy of sharing food with others.
Starring: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Emjay Anthony, Amy Sedaris, Robert Downey Jr., Russell Peters, Chase Grimm, Will Schutze, Gloria Sandoval, Jose C. Hernandez, Alberto Salas, Alfredo Ortiz, Daniel Palacio, Mauricio Del Monte, Leonardo Da Nilo, Nili Fuller, Charles Lao, Benjamin Jacob, Aaron Franklin, Gary Clark Jr., Rachel Acuna, Paul Aldanée, Andrew Anderson, Chad Bird, Maria F. Blanco, Santos Caraballo, Michael Patrick Carmody, Anthony Carretta, Joseph Randy Causin, Christina Cha, Marly Chaudry, Cody Daniel, Billy Driver, Safi El Masri, Maria Engler, Eduardo M. Freyre, Michael P Gardner, Julian Graham, Joshua Gutierrez, Priyom Haider, Leigh M. Harris, Miguel Izaguirre, Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine, Gayle Drinhaus;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: comedy, drama, family;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Jiro Dreams of Sushi”, 2011
Director: David Gelb
This documentary delves into the life of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who runs a Michelin-starred restaurant in Tokyo. The film offers a mesmerizing look at the dedication and artistry behind sushi-making.
Starring: Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto, Daisuke Nakazama, Hachiro Mizutani, Harutaki Takahashi, Hiroki Fujita, Tsunenori Ida, Toichiro Iida, Akihiro Oyama, Shizuo Oyama, Hiroshi Okuda, Yukio Watanabe, Kazunori Kumakawa, Kazuo Fukaya, Syozo Someya, Hiromichi Honda, Takashi Ono;
Production year: 2011;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 81 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” on the website imdb.com
“Food, Inc.”, 2008
Director: Robert Kenner
Directed by Robert Kenner, this documentary exposes the practices of the modern food industry, revealing the impact on the environment, workers, and consumers. It provides a thought-provoking critique of industrial food production.
Starring: Eric Schlosser, Richard Lobb, Vince Edwards, Carole Morison, Michael Pollan, Troy Poush, Larry Johnson, Allen Trenkle, Barbara Kowalcyk, Patricia Buck, Phil English, Eldon Roth, Maria Andrea Gonzalez, Rosa Soto, Joel Salatin, Eduardo Peña, Gary Hirshberg, Amanda Ellis-Thurber, Tony Airoso, Moe Parr, David Ranyok, Stephen R. Pennell, William P. Kealey, Tom Brokaw, Maurice McDonald, Richard McDonald, Dan Rather, Oprah Winfrey;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary, news;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Food, Inc.” on the website imdb.com
“Ratatouille”, 2007
Director: Brad Bird, Jan Pinkava
This animated film from Pixar tells the story of Remy, a rat with a refined palate who dreams of becoming a chef. The movie celebrates the joy of cooking and the power of following one's passion, regardless of societal expectations.
Starring: Patton Oswalt, Ian Holm, Lou Romano, Brian Dennehy, Peter Sohn, Peter O'Toole, Brad Garrett, Janeane Garofalo, Will Arnett, Julius Callahan, James Remar, John Ratzenberger, Teddy Newton, Tony Fucile, Jake Steinfeld, Stéphane Roux, Jack Bird, Andrea Boerries, Marco Boerries, Lindsey Collins, Thomas Keller, Lori Richardson;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy, drama;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Ratatouille” on the website imdb.com
“Burnt”, 2015
Director: John Wells
Starring Bradley Cooper, this drama follows a talented but troubled chef who seeks redemption by opening a new restaurant. The film explores the intense pressure and high-stakes nature of the culinary world.
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Sienna Miller, Omar Sy, Daniel Brühl, Riccardo Scamarcio, Uma Thurman, Emma Thompson, Sam Keeley, Henry Goodman, Matthew Rhys, Stephen Campbell Moore, Lexie Benbow-Hart, Alicia Vikander, Lily James, Sarah Greene, Bo Bene, Elisa Lasowski, Julian Firth, John Macdonald, Raphael Acloque, Richard Rankin, Martin Trenaman, Jody Halse, Lewis Poll, Richard Cunningham, Richard Attlee, Charlotte Hawkins, Tony Pritchard, Natasha Alderslade, Morayo Akandé, Fraser Andrews, Richard Banks, Roy Beck, Kishore Bhatt, Andy Blithe, Björn Bonnes, Alexander Bracq, Martin Bats Bradford, Bernard Bullen, Bernard Collaco, Erica Emm, Karl Farrer, Mike Firth, Alice Flegg, Alexander Furno, Cynthia Garbutt, Robin George, Shane Hart, Marina Hayter, Christopher Heskey;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
These films offer diverse perspectives on the food industry, from its artistic and cultural significance to its ethical and social implications. Each one provides a captivating glimpse into the world of food, inviting audiences to savor the stories behind the meals we love.
The selection of films about the food industry offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities within the culinary world. From the tantalizing allure of gourmet cuisine to the harsh realities of food production, these films have skillfully shed light on the multifaceted nature of the industry. Through heartwarming narratives, gripping documentaries, and compelling character-driven stories, these films have not only entertained but also provided a platform for critical reflection on our relationship with food, the ethics of production, and the cultural significance of culinary artistry. As an ensemble, they have managed to stir the senses and ignite a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of flavors, traditions, and struggles that define the food industry.
