Ep 6. Good Luck Soup

In season 5 episode 6 of America ReFramed, titled "Good Luck Soup," viewers are taken on a journey to explore the multi-generational Asian American experience, as seen through the eyes of filmmaker Matthew Hashiguchi. The episode focuses on the filmmaker's family, specifically his Japanese-American grandmother, who was incarcerated in an internment camp during World War II.

The film opens with Hashiguchi detailing his family's annual tradition of making "Good Luck Soup" or ozoni, a dish that his grandmother taught them to make. The soup is traditionally eaten on New Year's Day and is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Throughout the episode, Hashiguchi delves into his family's history and how it has shaped their identity as Japanese Americans. He begins by sharing about his grandmother's life before and during World War II, including her experience being forcibly removed from her home and sent to a camp in Arkansas with her family. Through photos and interviews with his grandmother and other family members, Hashiguchi paints a picture of the harsh conditions and emotional toll that the internment camps had on Japanese Americans.

The filmmaker then transitions to exploring his own experiences growing up as a third-generation Japanese American. He shares how his connection to Japanese culture was limited, and he struggled to find his place between his Japanese-American heritage and American identity. He uses "Good Luck Soup" as a metaphor for the comfort and connection he experienced as he reconnected with his cultural roots.

"Good Luck Soup" also delves into the experiences of other Asian Americans, including interviews with community leaders and scholars. The episode discusses the model minority myth and how it has affected the Asian American community, as well as the challenges of intergenerational communication and cultural preservation.

One particularly poignant scene in the film features Hashiguchi's grandmother reflecting on her life and experiences. Despite the discrimination and injustices she faced, she remains resilient and grateful for her family and the life she has lived.

Overall, "Good Luck Soup" offers a unique and personal perspective on the Asian American experience and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. The film emphasizes the resilience and strength of Japanese Americans and other Asian Americans who have faced discrimination and prejudice in the United States. Through "Good Luck Soup," viewers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of identity and the power of cultural heritage.