Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
"Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is a fascinating documentary about the life and work of 85-year-old sushi master, Jiro Ono. His renowned Tokyo restaurant, a 10-seat counter in the basement of a high-rise near a subway stop, has been awarded the prestigious three-star rating from the Michelin Guide. Despite its size and location, there is a three-month wait for a reservation at this sushi-only restaurant, and a typical meal will set you back over $300.
The film, directed by David Gelb, explores Jiro's relationship with his sushi, which flutters between pure love and borderline obsession. Jiro is a relentless perfectionist, training his apprentices rigorously in details as minute as towel-squeezing and egg-slicing. He even agonizes over the placement of mats on his counter and the seating arrangement of his customers.
His 50-year-old son, Yoshikazu, works alongside him and is set to inherit the restaurant. Another son runs a separate sushi bar elsewhere in Tokyo. Despite this, we learn little about Jiro's personal life. We know he must have a wife and a home, but we never see them. The film suggests no hobbies or pastimes; Jiro lives and breathes sushi.
This film is a definitive portrait of world-class sushi and the man devoted to its creation. Despite running just 81 minutes, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" delves deep into the enigma of Jiro Ono. It leaves you wondering if there are any unfulfilled dreams or regrets in his life, or if a life spent doing what you love is enough.
Jiro's acute observations, such as noticing whether a customer is left or right-handed, add to the allure of his character. He scrutinizes each piece of sushi he serves, knowing its history, including changes in preparation like the recent increase in octopus massage time from half an hour to 45 minutes.
The film leaves you with the impression that the real tragedy of Jiro Ono's life is that there are not, and can never be, four stars in the Michelin Guide. His relentless pursuit of perfection, despite already achieving the highest possible recognition, is both inspiring and heartbreaking. In its simplicity and depth, "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is a captivating exploration of a man's passion for his craft.
- You do not enjoy documentaries.
- You are not interested in the intricacies of sushi preparation and the sushi industry.
- You prefer action-packed films with lots of special effects.
- You have a seafood allergy and become uncomfortable watching people consume seafood.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Jiro Dreams of Sushi?"I mean, here's a guy who spends his entire life perfecting the art of making sushi. And I'm talking about 85 years! Some people can't even commit to a 2-year phone contract.
And he's got this tiny restaurant in a subway station, not even a view. In New York, you can't even get a hot dog stand without a view of Times Square. But this guy, Jiro, he's got three Michelin stars! You try to get a reservation, they're like, "Sure, we can squeeze you in... 3 months from now."
The Birth of Sake (2015):
If you enjoyed Jiro Dreams of Sushi, then you'll probably love The Birth of Sake. It's a documentary that explores the world of traditional sake-making in Japan with the same kind of deep, poignant respect for the craft that you saw in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. The film is a tribute to the art of sake perfection, taking viewers deep into Japan’s iconic Yasutake Sake Brewery. It's a cinematic, intimate, and meticulously curated journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the age-old crafts of Japan.
Ugly Delicious (2019):While it's not exactly a movie, Ugly Delicious is a Netflix original docu-series in which chef David Chang, a contempora of Jiro's, continues the hunt for the most satisfying grub around the globe. He breaks down cultural barriers through mouthwatering cuisines in this engaging documentary. Each episode delves into a different food-focused topic, including barbecue, pizza, and more, providing you with an experience that's similar to Jiro Dreams of Sushi but with a broader palette and more spots in the world.
Ramen Heads (2017):If you have an appreciation for traditional food preparation methods and are interested in learning about more than just sushi, Ramen Heads is worth a watch. This film follows Osamu Tomita, Japan's reigning king of ramen, as he reveals every single step of his obsessive approach to creating the perfect soup and noodles. The film also profiles five other noteworthy ramen shops, each with its own unique philosophy and flavor, which all push the boundaries of ramen perfection.
Chef (2014):Chef, directed by and starring Jon Favreau, is a feel-good comedy-drama that will resonate with those who enjoyed the passionate and poignant portrayal of culinary creativity in Jiro Dreams of Sushi. The film, while focusing more on Western cuisine, will make your mouth water and your heart melt with its story of a top-tier chef who loses his job and embarks on a journey to rediscover his love for cooking.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013-2018):This popular TV series was led by the late, great chef, writer, and TV host Anthony Bourdain. While it's not a film, it offers a similar journey to that of Jiro, with its exploration of culinary traditions across the globe. In each episode, Bourdain travels to a different part of the world to explore, learn, and taste everything the local food culture has to offer. It is thoughtful, fascinating, and often humorous—an absolute delight for food lovers.
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