American Hunger by
Haresh, the owner of an Indian restaurant in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, sends his son, Akash, off to the start of his last school year. Haresh's competitor, Eng, the owner of a chinese restaurant across the street, does the same with his son, Han. As the families wave goodbye to their children for what marks the beginning of great change, they wonder about what is to come. Haresh's business is...
Haresh, the owner of an Indian restaurant in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, sends his son, Akash, off to the start of his last school year. Haresh's competitor, Eng, the owner of a chinese restaurant across the street, does the same with his son, Han. As the families wave goodbye to their children for what marks the beginning of great change, they wonder about what is to come. Haresh's business is struggling, as gentrification slowly overtakes crown heights. He is unable to keep up with Eng - whose cuisine is more palatable to the young, white people moving into the neighbourhood. He hides his fear from his son, Akash and instead chooses to focus on Akash's upcoming college applications. Haresh's desires Akash to aim for the very top of academic success, whereas Akash is not even sure if college is meant for him. Haresh pressures Akash with stories of his own sacrifice, but Akash is flippant about it. Han and Akash discuss their future plans in life. Han attempts to show off by buying weed from Sonia, but fails to impress Akash. Instead, Sonia and Akash hit it off. Haresh tries to modify recipes to increase success with little benefit. Jones, a black customer comes into the restaurant and gets into a small fight with Haresh. On Halloween night, Akash and Han get together to go out as they always do, but Han gets angry when he learn Akash has invited Sonia along too. After a fight, they go their separate ways. Haresh's restaurant is vandalized. Anne and Eng get Han to find Akash and bring him home. The family is reunited in safety. They spend the night at Eng's home. Han and Akash make-up a little bit. Haresh has not paid for insurance and has been hit hard by the vandalism. He hides the financial difficulty from his son, who is able to detect it all the same. Samuel, a restauranteur attempts to buy Haresh's restaurant from him, but Haresh refuses. Jones also attempts to buy the restaurant, leaving Haresh with a choice. Han confesses his feelings for Akash. Winter begins in earnest, and Akash receives his first college acceptance letters. A death in the community stirs an attempt at reconciliations between Han and Akash. Haresh has decided to sell the restaurant, and is finalizing all the details. Akash argues with him, as he does not want Haresh to sacrifice his dreams just to facilitate Akash's academic and future success. Haresh claims that that is his greatest joys. Both Han and Akash's family gather for graduation and to say goodbye to the restaurant.