A hilarious look at the origins of the ubiquitous -- and uniquely American -- Chinese fortune cookie

For nearly a century, people have turned to this prophetic dessert for advice, inspiration and even winning lottery combinations. While the fortune cookie has been a source of fascination and a Chinese cuisine staple in North America, it remains nearly non-existent in China. THE KILLING OF A CHINESE COOKIE examines the heated debate over the true origin of the fortune cookie, the mixing of eastern and western cultures that produced it, and the cookie’s rise from a simple pastry to a pop culture phenomenon.

The Killing of a Chinese Cookie

What's This?

What's This?

saved

The Killing of a Chinese Cookie

Release Year: 2008

Duration: 75 min

Availability: Worldwide

For nearly a century, people have turned to this prophetic dessert for advice, inspiration and even winning lottery combinations. While the fortune cookie has been a source of fascination and a Chinese cuisine staple in North America, it remains nearly non-existent in China. THE KILLING OF A CHINESE COOKIE examines the heated debate over the true origin of the fortune cookie, the mixing of eastern and western cultures that produced it, and the cookie’s rise from a simple pastry to a pop culture phenomenon.

Directed by

Derek Shimoda

Produced by

Derek Shimoda

Jimmy Tsai

Executive Producer

Joan Huang

Director of Photography

John Taylor

Edited by

James Lu

Composer

Miho Hatori

Report a Technical Issue

If you're having any difficulties viewing the film or have any playback-related technical questions, contact us using our general feedback page.

Comments

Posted 10/10/09 by Davis

This film was very funny and entertaining. I’ve never thought about how much pop culture was affected by the fortune cookie. I loved it.

Posted 10/07/09 by Kitson

Entertaining and very nicely put together. Some great lines too

Posted 09/01/09 by GG-

Clever, funny and informative. Its a clear example of how many cultures become “American” and how it can be a wonderful thing to bring many cultures together.

More Comments »