The Donut King
The Donut King

Movie spotlight

The Donut King

2020
Movie
94 min
English

Cambodian refugee Ted Ngoy builds a multi-million dollar empire by baking America's favourite pastry: the doughnut.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic77/100
Google Users93%
Director: Mathieu Faivre, Hugo GrassentGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the extraordinary life of Ted Ngoy, a Cambodian refugee who fled the Khmer Rouge and built a successful donut empire in Southern California. It explores his journey from survival to prosperity, his deep connection to his community, and the eventual unraveling of his personal life amidst his business success and religious devotion.

Critical Reception

The Donut King received widespread critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling, intimate portrayal of the immigrant experience, and its examination of faith, ambition, and the American Dream. Critics lauded its emotional depth and the compelling narrative of its central figure.

What Reviewers Say

  • A profoundly moving and inspiring story of resilience and the pursuit of the American Dream.

  • Insightful exploration of faith, family, and the complexities of success.

  • Visually engaging and emotionally resonant documentary filmmaking.

Google audience: Audiences widely praised the film for its heartwarming and inspiring true story of a refugee's success, highlighting Ted Ngoy's journey and his impact on the community. Many found it to be an emotional and thought-provoking watch.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary at the 2021 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Ted Ngoy's success with donuts was so significant that he is often credited with popularizing the glazed donut in Southern California, a status that led to his nickname, 'The Donut King'.

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