Since Food, Inc. is up for an Oscar on Sunday, it seems as good a time as any to compile a list of documentary food films worth watching. A recent post on favorite feature films that focus on food garnered a lot of comments — and sparked a movie mystery that remains unsolved. For cinematic sleuths, check out the comments by “can’t remember,” and see if you can put your finger on the name of the mystery flick. Thanks to regular readers Susan Rubin and Margaret Phillips for input for this post. In alpha order, a list of ten real food films worth viewing while noshing on a modest-sized serving of organic, non-GMO popcorn. 1. Dirt: The Movie (2009) A funny, thoughtful, and, um grounded look at the fundamental ingredient vital to everything that feeds us. An amusing account of modern American ag policy and food culture that sprouted a counter-revolution among veggie-obsessed Californians. The rock stars of the ethical eating movement — Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser — weigh in on all that is wrong in America’s industrialized food system.

Methinks my son summed up this film best: “Sometimes the scariest films are the ones that are real.” Down with the corporate behemoths of the American food economy who threaten the country’s food security, livelihood of small farmers, and our choices as consumers. This doco features fresh thinking from urban farming activist Will Allen and sustainable farmer Joel Salatin. 5. Killer at Large (2008) This film tackles the giant-sized topic of America’s obesity epidemic with talking heads and the story of a 12-year-old who undergoes liposuction. Two friends head to the heartland to learn a thing or two about how food is farmed and where food comes from. 7. Super Size Me (2004) Cult classic with Morgan Spurlock eating his way to bad health on a month’s worth of Maccas. Required viewing for fast food fans. A group of mostly working class, Latino South Central Farmers fought the good fight — and they’re still at it — for the basic human need to grow food, in this Academy Award nominated film.

9. The Future of Food (2004) Deborah Koons Garcia reveals the unappetizing truth about genetically modified foods: Do you really know what you’re dishing up for dinner? 10. The Real Dirt on Farmer John (2006) A flamboyant farmer turns his family’s dying farm into a thriving CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Bonus: He flaunts a feather boa while driving his tractor.sushi conveyor belt portland oregon Special mention to a work-in-progress: A film-and-food couple reveal how hard it is to eat well on a really tight budget.sakae sushi menu philippines Okay, what’s missing — or doesn’t deserve to be in this line up? jiro dreams of sushi egg cake

You know you have an opinion, oh yes you do. Let me know below. What’s on Your Plate? Food for Thought for All Ages Food, Inc. May Make You Lose Your Lunch Food Stamped: A Film For Our Times A Shout Out for The GardenHip-hop star gives a masterclass in fine dining photography etiquetteReview by danielm ★★★½ As a culture, we don’t put a lot of stock in the pursuit of mastery. sushi thunder bay wasabiSure, we’ll cheer for Michael Jordan and clap for Yo Yo Ma, but if we can find some way to destroy you (Tiger Woods, anyone?) we will. sushi girl online guckenIt seems, eventually, that the pursuit of mastery is some sort of threat on our tendencies toward the mediocre. sushi fisch kaufen leipzig

This is where we find ourselves. Jiro is the best sushi maker in the world. He has no other passions, no other drives. He is 100% devoted to the pursuit of mastery in his field. It’s something you don’t see every day and, more importantly, something to aspire to. This movie isn’t about how the world… Review by Adam Cook ★★★ Jiro Dreams of Sushi is an interesting documentary about 85-year old, Jiro Ono, a sushi master who runs a 10-seat and three Michelin starred restaurant in Tokyo. The film documents his lifelong dedication to his craft and creation of his mouthwatering dishes. Yet it is also a film about family, Japanese culture, artistry and the way of life for a sushi shokunin (translated as artisan). The direction of the film by David Gelb is staunchly conventional with familiar talking head sections and behind-the-scenes kitchen montages. It is a style that fits this story of a man who seems entirely defined by his unquestionable skill and dedication to his discipline.

Even at 85-years old there is no sign of him relinquishing… Review by Ciara ★★★★ Stylistically, this is a fairly conventional documentary. It features a lot of talking heads and voice overs, is way too heavy handed in the transitions department, and could have done with a better cinematographer, especially outside the restaurant. However, Jiro Dreams of Sushi overcomes some of the mundane techniques with its fascinating subject matter and its adept handling of the narrative. Jiro's restaurant is in a subway station in Japan. If you want to eat there, be prepared to reserve several weeks (at least) in advance. It is about the art of making sushi, the man who makes the best, the men he has trained for years (in some cases, decades), the relationship between fathers and sons, and Japanese society,… Review by Travis Lytle ★★★ Work ethic, commitment, and attention to detail are just some of the driving factors for Jiro, a renowned sushi chef whose life and work are explored in the documentary, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi."

The film is simple and unencumbered by flashiness, much like its subject; but it is an enjoyable testament to a man who has been working at his craft for 75 years. The documentary crisply and deliberately observes Jiro, his sons, his admirers, and his vendors as the master chef practices his art. There is a subtlety to the film that is impressive: the film is not concerned with drama or conflict in the kitchen. It is concerned, simply, with Jiro, his creations, and their connections to familial… Review by jgarron ★★★★½ While watching this there were two things going through my head. The first was a quote said by Paul Newman in The Hustler, "You know, like anything can be great, anything can be great. I don't care, BRICKLAYING can be great, if a guy knows. If he knows what he's doing and why and if he can make it come off." This applies perfectly to this film. I had put this film off for a while based on the fact that I have no real interest in the culinary arts or especially sushi, yet this film really opened my eyes and made me appreciate the art and beauty of something as simple as making sushi.