Watch Chinese Restaurants - Song of the Exile

Chinese Restaurants - Song of the Exile is a 1990 documentary film directed by Canadian filmmaker and writer, Cheuk Kwan. The film is based on Kwan's personal life and experiences as a Chinese-Canadian, exploring the themes of identity, family, and diaspora in the context of Chinese cuisine. The film follows Kwan's journey across several countries - Canada, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and China - as he seeks out Chinese restaurants and their owners, delving into their histories, and discovering his own personal connection to the world of Chinese cuisine. The narrative is driven by Kwan's own experiences growing up in Canada as a second-generation Chinese-Canadian, and his search for his identity as part of the Chinese diaspora.

The documentary starts with an introduction to Kwan's family and their experiences as immigrants in Canada. Kwan narrates how his mother, Kim, came to Canada as a young girl during the Second World War and how she never forgot her homeland. Kwan also shares how growing up, he always felt caught between two worlds - one of his parents' home country and the other of his own.

Kwan's search for his roots takes him to Hong Kong, where he visits a famous restaurant run by Madame Tang, who herself was a child immigrant to Hong Kong during the Sino-Japanese war. Madame Tang's story resonates with Kwan's own family's history, and he reflects on how many Chinese immigrants have had to leave their homes due to war or political turmoil.

The film also covers Kwan's trip to Taiwan and his visits to various Chinese restaurants. Through these segments, Kwan explores the history, traditions, and cultural significance of Chinese cuisine. He talks to the restaurant owners about the various regional cuisines of China, the influences of other cultures on Chinese cuisine, and the importance of food in Chinese culture.

One particularly fascinating segment features Kwan's visit to the kitchen of a renowned Chinese chef in Taiwan, where he learns about the subtleties of Chinese cooking, including the essential balance of flavors and textures. The film also includes interviews with other chefs and restaurateurs, who share their own unique perspectives on the history and customs of Chinese cuisine.

Along with exploring the art of Chinese cooking, Chinese Restaurants - Song of the Exile delves into the personal connections between food and family. Kwan's conversations with the restaurant owners often reveal deep, emotional connections to their family histories and relationships.

In China, Kwan visits his mother's hometown in Guangzhou and talks to his relatives about his family's past. Through these conversations, he learns about the hardships and sacrifices made by his family members for the sake of future generations.

Throughout the entire film, Kwan's narration is reflective, poetic, and deeply personal. His own experiences as a Chinese-Canadian serve as a bridge between the various stories and themes presented in the film. He eloquently weaves together the histories of his family and the various restaurant owners, connecting their experiences to a larger narrative of the Chinese diaspora.

Overall, Chinese Restaurants - Song of the Exile is a thought-provoking and beautifully crafted film that explores the relationship between food, family, and culture. By touching on universal themes of identity and belonging, the film speaks to a wider audience beyond those simply interested in Chinese cuisine. Kwan's poetic narration and personal reflections give the film an emotional depth and resonance that make it a truly memorable viewing experience.