Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a 2011 documentary film directed by David Gelb. The film follows the life of Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master who owns a small restaurant in a Tokyo subway station. The restaurant, called Sukiyabashi Jiro, is widely recognized as one of the best sushi restaurants in the world.

The film explores the art of sushi-making through the eyes of Jiro and his two sons, Yoshikazu and Takashi, who are also sushi chefs. Yoshikazu is the successor to Jiro's restaurant, while Takashi opened his own sushi restaurant. The film offers a rare glimpse into the world of sushi-making, including the intense training and dedication required to become a master sushi chef.

Throughout the film, we see Jiro's unwavering commitment to his craft. He wakes up early every morning to select the freshest fish from the market, and spends hours perfecting his sushi-making techniques. Jiro's dedication to his craft is evident in his meticulous attention to detail, such as the precise temperature at which he serves each type of sushi, and the exact amount of pressure he applies when forming each piece.

The film also examines the impact of technology on the traditional art of sushi-making. While Jiro is a traditionalist who believes in using only the best ingredients and a hands-on approach to sushi-making, some younger sushi chefs are incorporating new tools and techniques, such as electric rice cookers and fish-processing machines. Jiro sees this as a worrying trend, believing that these shortcuts compromise the quality of the sushi.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is not just a film about sushi, but also a meditation on the nature of work and dedication. Jiro's life is a testament to the idea that true success requires hard work, discipline, and a passion for one's craft. The film shows the importance of dedicating oneself to a craft, finding joy in the work, and striving for excellence.

The documentary also explores the relationship between Jiro and his two sons. Yoshikazu, who is set to inherit his father's restaurant, works under Jiro and is responsible for many of the day-to-day operations. However, Jiro remains the ultimate authority, and the pressure to live up to his father's exacting standards is a constant source of strain for Yoshikazu. Takashi, on the other hand, struck out on his own and opened his own restaurant. While Jiro expressed disappointment in Takashi's decision, he ultimately respects his son's desire to forge his own path.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning images of Jiro's sushi, the Tokyo fish market, and the city itself. The cinematography captures the essence of the city, from the hustle and bustle of the subway to the quiet stillness of Jiro's restaurant. The film's score, composed by Philip Glass, is haunting and ethereal, adding to the dreamlike quality of the film.

Overall, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a fascinating, insightful, and visually stunning film that delves into the world of sushi-making and the dedication required to become a master. The film is a meditation on the nature of work, the relationship between fathers and sons, and the pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or just someone who appreciates a good documentary, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is definitely worth checking out.