The Search for General Tso

documentary

(2014)

(This is my 105th Netflix review)



This film was an unexpectedly very involving and enlightening documentary. I took the title at face value and assumed it would be either culinary or historical. This very well-written and impeccably filmed documentary was both. The viewer will (painlessly) learn elements of Chinese history which intersected with USA history in the 19th century gold rush. I had no idea that there were are as many ways to prepare this dish as there are chefs who do the preparation. You will learn who people think originated the dish, who actually originated the dish (and SPOILER ALERT) that there was actually a real General Tso. One fact unrelated to the quality of either the movie or the dish (both great), I noticed during the closing credits. In the section of the credits entitled, "This film made possible by the generous support of..." The first name (list was alphabetical) was Justin Beeber. I am not a fan of this performer (is there another Justin Beeber out there?) , but just goes to show that everyone is multilayered, just as any good movie or any good meal.