hikerhetav The movie is completely dedicated to Anthony Lucero and Diana Torres. The movie looked like a B grade movie but had little bit of attraction of viewing than most other indie movies. Lucero made this film with no such extraordinary or inventive theme. But there's some essence you'd find throughout the movie and that's just looking Diana's patience and grit towards her goal. It's simple:You wanted to achieve a goal and your boss has everything to overlook you and your skills only to see you defeated. But you, on other side, have everything to ignore all who hates you and to concentrate on just one thing that's your goal. The movie was determined well, one directional, and somewhat holding you to your seats in the second half. While the movie has its slow moments but that are passable against the act of Diana Torres. The acting is quite impressive for such a low budget movie. Yutaka Takeuchi is impressive and to be seen in this one. Had this been cut down for 15 minutes, it would be more crispy and amazing. Can this be seen with children? Definitely Yes. It's a wholesome entertainment for all and I'd say it's best among other high budget feel good movies.

Steve Bush I thoroughly enjoyed this movie from start to finish, and that alone justifies a rating of 10. It should be of interest to all ages. The brief use of sub-titles simply adds to the warm authenticity. Bravo!This was a true surprise. I don't recall seeing any previews before watching the movie. After seeing the movie listed as a new release, I was truly intrigued by the plot. Perhaps this is a "food spoiler": prepare to have your appetite tweaked in all directions as you watch this film. Perhaps the safe plan is to schedule a dining adventure to a sushi or Japanese restaurant shortly after viewing. In any case, the filming of the food was well-done.

pinokiyo Hollywood can't make this kind of Gold.I used to work at a sushi restaurant and the little things in the script is so hilariously true to life... right to the type of customers, the whole having to master cutting cucumber, getting mad at ordering teriyaki at a sushi bar... looking stuff up on craigslist -- the little things! (The only thing I found to be a little unrealistic was how the restaurant getting together during their lunch break(?) feeding their staff nice sushi and rolls... well, I guess they really are a nice restaurant and not stingy to their workers! What luxury...)The main lead, Juana, is beautiful!! She sort of reminds me of a young Salma Hayek, but cuter. She's great!The main lead's father deserves Best Supporting Actor award; his delivery and reactions are so natural and hilarious... he's immediately very likable. Aki, the Japanese chef, (and they actually got a real Japanese guy!) is good too. Just great casting overall - very very likable cast, even the young daughter. ('There's a Chinese man at the front door.' haha) I love the scene with the main lead and the chef having sake together; great script-writing. To me, that scene was touching (got me teary) and hilarious at the same time bringing up the issue about being a woman and races. (soo funny and true about assistant chefs being Chinese and Korean... 'he smells like ashtray!' haha Koreans love to smoke)I love how they intertwine Mexican and Japanese culture together. Very very cool. I really enjoyed it and was engaged the whole time; it went by really fast. If you work at a sushi restaurant/love sushi/like Mexican/Japanese cultures, or just want a movie to inspire to go after your dreams, watch it. You'll love it. It's funny, cute, touching film that you can enjoy multiple times. It's not a big budget movie and perhaps may have a little high quality TV-Movie feel, but who cares. These are the types of movies that's worth watching; real-life conversations and stories people can relate and be inspired to.Highly recommend! It has become one of my favorite movies. One funny goof I noticed... when the chef asks the girl to help him out with the phone orders, she puts it on regular plates instead of a to-go box. xDOh and when Mr. Yoshida was cutting the cucumber "art" and the customers respond in amazement/kind of sucking up to the chef is sooo funny - that really happens in real life... it's also funny because that cucumber didn't even look amazing at all. What the hell was that? Haha

Allan Miller This was a completely enjoyable movie. The script was well written, the acting was superb, and the cinematography was great. Even the sound, which sometimes suffers outside of Hollywood, was perfect. My only complaint is that I am not a fan of hand-held camera, but I understand that it is a legitimate technique, and it actually pulled me in during one scene, which is unusual.One of my favorite parts about this movie is that the "moral" is a little ambiguous and isn't hammered home. Hollywood movies are always so black-and-white with good guys and bad guys, which is nothing like real life. East Side Sushi is much more subtle and realistic about themes like racism, gender bias, and social class. It is very refreshing.I ended up discussing this movie for hours afterwards, and recalling some of the great scenes, which is unusual and definitely the sign of great filmmaking. I very highly recommend East Side Sushi!