Watch Kings of Pastry

Kings of Pastry is a documentary film released in 2009 that features the International for the Best Pastry Chef competition in Lyon, France. The competition, also known as the Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) or the Best Craftsman in France in Pastry, is considered the most prestigious pastry competition in the world, and only the most skilled chefs are allowed to participate.

The film follows the journey of sixteen chefs, including Jacquy Pfeiffer, Regis Lazard, and Philippe Rigollot. Each of them has a different background, but all share the same passion for pastry. They come from different countries, including the United States, France, and Japan, and different cultural backgrounds, showcasing how pastry is a universal language.

Throughout the movie, we get to see the chefs go through a series of rigorous tests, both physical and mental, in order to prove their skills in pastry making. They have to pass several rounds before they can qualify for the final competition, where they will have to create an elaborate pastry display in front of a panel of judges.

The filmmakers take us behind the scenes and show us the meticulous process that goes into creating the perfect pastry. We get to see the chefs struggle with the challenges of creating a flawless dessert, from the first sketches to the final presentation. We also see the sacrifices that they make in order to compete in the MOF, such as leaving their families and businesses behind for months to prepare for the competition.

But the film isn't just about the competition; it's about the people behind it. We get to know Jacquy Pfeiffer, a pastry chef from the United States who is also the founder of The French Pastry School in Chicago. He's a determined man who is passionate about passing on his knowledge and skills to young pastry chefs in America. Regis Lazard is an immigrant in France who has worked his way up from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected pastry chefs in the country. And Philippe Rigollot, who was once an electrician, decided to follow his dream of becoming a pastry chef, and he went on to win the MOF in 2007.

The film also showcases the emotional side of the competition. We see the chefs go through moments of joy and sadness, frustration and disappointment, as they strive to create the best pastry they can. There are moments of tension as the chefs work under the pressure of the competition, but there are also moments of camaraderie as they help each other through the challenges.

In the end, the film culminates in a nail-biting finale where the chefs showcase their creations to the judges. We get to see the stunning pastry displays, each one more elaborate and beautiful than the last. It's a tense moment as the judges deliberate and decide who will be crowned the Best Pastry Chef in the world.

Overall, Kings of Pastry is a beautiful and inspiring film that showcases the artistry and passion of pastry making. It's a film that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the craft, and a respect for the chefs who dedicate their lives to creating the perfect dessert.

Kings of Pastry is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 69.