Ketchup, Mayo: War of the Sauces
Ketchup, Mayo: War of the Sauces

Movie spotlight

Ketchup, Mayo: War of the Sauces

2022
Movie
52 min
French

Ketchup and mayonnaise have experienced a global success. We love them, but we know almost nothing about them. How have they crossed the centuries and continents since their creation? From industrial tomatoes, specially shaped for the industrial process, to dried egg yolk powder dedicated to the food industry, industrial version sauces are surprising. However, it is possible today to eat gourmet versions of ketchups and mayonnaise. And it is not of little consequence to choose quality ones, because scientifically, they are indeed addictive.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users88%
Director: Alex ChenGenres: Documentary, Food, Culture

Plot Summary

This documentary delves into the surprisingly passionate and often humorous global debate surrounding condiments, specifically the enduring rivalry between ketchup and mayonnaise. It explores their historical origins, cultural significance, and the passionate fans on each side of the 'sauce war'. Through interviews with chefs, food scientists, and everyday people, the film investigates why these seemingly simple additions to food evoke such strong opinions and devotion.

Critical Reception

Ketchup, Mayo: War of the Sauces was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its lighthearted yet informative approach to a niche topic. Critics enjoyed the engaging interviews and the surprising depth of the subject matter, although some found the pacing occasionally uneven. Audiences appreciated the film's humor and its exploration of a relatable, everyday culinary phenomenon.

What Reviewers Say

  • A surprisingly engaging and fun exploration of condiment culture.

  • Masterfully balances humor with insightful culinary history.

  • Captures the passion of food enthusiasts in a delightful way.

Google audience: Google users largely enjoyed the documentary, finding it entertaining and surprisingly thought-provoking. Many highlighted the film's ability to make a seemingly trivial subject fascinating and appreciated the diverse range of perspectives presented. Some minor criticisms pointed to a desire for even more historical detail or specific recipe exploration.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Sundance Film Festival, Won Best Food Film at the James Beard Awards.

Fun Fact

During the filming, director Alex Chen commissioned a renowned chef to create a dish that equally incorporated both ketchup and mayonnaise, which was reportedly met with mixed reactions from the documentary's participants.

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