Watch East Side Sushi

East Side Sushi is a 2014 drama film directed by Anthony Lucero. The story follows the journey of Juana, a single mother and a Mexican immigrant, who aspires to become a sushi chef in Oakland, California. The film stars Diana Elizabeth Torres as Juana, Yutaka Takeuchi as Aki, Rodrigo Duarte Clark as Jose, and Kaya Jade Aguirre as Lydia.

The film opens with Juana working at a fruit cart in Oakland. Despite being a hardworking and skilled cook, she struggles to make ends meet and support her daughter. One day, she stumbles upon a sushi restaurant in Oakland and is fascinated by the art of sushi-making. Fascinated by the precision and elegance of the process, she decides to pursue her dream of becoming a sushi chef.

The owner of the restaurant, a Japanese man named Aki, initially refuses to take her on as an apprentice due to her ethnicity and gender. However, Juana's strong determination and natural talent eventually win him over. She is hired as a kitchen assistant and begins to learn the art of sushi-making.

Juana's journey is not without its challenges. She faces discrimination and skepticism from her colleagues and customers due to her background. However, she perseveres and continues to hone her skills. Her passion for sushi leads her down a path of self-discovery as she discovers a newfound sense of confidence and identity.

The film brilliantly explores themes related to race, gender, and cultural assimilation. Juana is a complex, fully-formed character who defies stereotypes and preconceived notions. She is a proud Mexican woman who is determined to break barriers, challenge norms, and successfully navigate the world of sushi-making.

Diana Elizabeth Torres, who plays Juana, delivers a powerful and nuanced performance. She brings a quiet intensity to the role, effectively conveying Juana's drive, resilience and vulnerability. Yutaka Takeuchi is equally impressive as Aki. He captures the character's complexity and inner turmoil, creating a nuanced portrayal of a man caught between two cultures.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances, with Rodrigo Duarte Clark standing out as Jose, Juana's love interest. Their romance is portrayed in a subtle and believable manner, providing an emotional core to the film.

Anthony Lucero's direction is understated yet effective, allowing the story and characters to drive the narrative. The cinematography is gorgeous, with sweeping shots of Oakland and the sushi-making process. The film's score, which features a mix of Latin and Japanese music, adds to the overall atmosphere of the film.

East Side Sushi is a heart-warming and inspiring film that celebrates the power of perseverance, passion, and diversity. Through Juana's journey, the film sends a powerful message about the importance of pursuing one's dreams and breaking down barriers. It is a must-see for anyone who appreciates complex characters, nuanced storytelling, and beautiful cinematography.

East Side Sushi is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 70.