Take (Culture) Out: Review of THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSOFood has always been entangled in various fa
Take (Culture) Out: Review of THE SEARCH FOR GENERAL TSOFood has always been entangled in various facets of Chinese society. It plays a central role in defining its culture: wealth, prosperity and happiness–among many other things, and acts as an anchor for meetings, parties, and festivals. This places Chinese American food in an odd predicament. It’s become one of the most popular cuisines in America, offering the promise of prosperity for immigrants and a taste of Chinese culture for Americans. It’s the one-two punch of America: demonstrating economic mobility and a mutually beneficial melting pot. But exploring a little further reveals more complicated results. The Search for General Tso starts with a far simpler goal: what is the origin of General Tso’s Chicken? The ubiquitous Chinese takeout dish can be ordered at practically every Chinese food restaurant, but its origins have been shrouded in mystery. Director Ian Cheney embarks on a journey to uncover the history of General Tso’s Chicken, leading him to a takeout menu collector, exploring the past of General Tso, and going to a whole lot of Chinese restaurants. By tackling a narrow question, it allows Cheney to explore the topic from all angles, delivering a comprehensive package even at a brisk one hour runtime. This doesn’t mean the film is constrained from exploring a full spectrum of issues; thanks to a varied pool of interviewees that includes producer Jennifer 8. Lee, various academics, and the chefs and cooks that make the iconic dish. They offer interesting insight at what General Tso’s Chicken–and Chinese American cuisine–represents in our society. Between the underlying racism that forced Chinese Americans into certain sectors (such as cheap restaurant work), and the problematic manner at which Chinese takeout has been codified as a symbol of Chinese culture, The Search for General Tso manages to cover the various nuances that presented itself during the journey to uncover the origins of General Tso’s chicken.The documentary is a thorough and passionate look at the iconic dish and the surrounding culture that gave birth to it. The Search for General Tso delivers the answers that viewers are seeking, but excels because it digs beneath the surface of its crispy chicken skin. The film will leave the viewer satisfied and hungry for more. - Alex -- source link
#general tso#chinese food#chinese american