This weekend I had the opportunity to watch "East Side Sushi" in theaters, and I highly recommend it to all of my students!! It's a wonderful film that stresses the importance of grit and perseverance.
Basic plotline: A struggling, single Latina woman is trying to make ends meets in order to provide for her daughter and father. However, she is robbed one day and loses almost everything. She decides to apply for a job working at a sushi restaurant in order to make more money, and slowly develops a fascination for Japanese cuisine. However, she is not allowed to work as a sushi chef because she is a woman, and is forced to stay hidden in the kitchen. The question is: will she stay in the back or rise up to fight against female stereotypes?
Why I recommend it: The film addresses gender inequality and also does a great job exposing both Mexican and Japanese cultures! I also loved the humor and feel it's more than appropriate for middle schoolers! Moreover, it takes place in Oakland, CA, and if you know that area, you'll have fun pointing out familiar landmarks, such as Lake Merritt!
It's only playing at select theaters, so make sure you research where it's playing before you go.
Here is the trailer, enjoy!
Basic plotline: A struggling, single Latina woman is trying to make ends meets in order to provide for her daughter and father. However, she is robbed one day and loses almost everything. She decides to apply for a job working at a sushi restaurant in order to make more money, and slowly develops a fascination for Japanese cuisine. However, she is not allowed to work as a sushi chef because she is a woman, and is forced to stay hidden in the kitchen. The question is: will she stay in the back or rise up to fight against female stereotypes?
Why I recommend it: The film addresses gender inequality and also does a great job exposing both Mexican and Japanese cultures! I also loved the humor and feel it's more than appropriate for middle schoolers! Moreover, it takes place in Oakland, CA, and if you know that area, you'll have fun pointing out familiar landmarks, such as Lake Merritt!
It's only playing at select theaters, so make sure you research where it's playing before you go.
Here is the trailer, enjoy!