Review of Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011) by Thomas W — 27 Aug 2012

Hate hate hate sushi and seafood; but I love love loved Jiro Dreams of Sushi. It is a short and simple documentary about Jiro Ono, an 85 year-old sushi chef in a restaurant located in Tokyo's Ginza subway station.

JIro loves what he does ... and doesn't know if he'll ever retire (although he admits he'll leave his restaurant if the customers complain that he's become too ghastly to eat around). As a child, he never knew much about his parents as his father had an unsuccessful career that led him to drink and he was "on his own" by the age of 9 when he became a restaurant apprentice which is the industry he has worked in his entire life.

In Japanese with English subtitles, it is so very easy for an audience to warm to Jiro and his kind face and mannerisms. His two sons have learned the trade and they are featured in this film too ... it actually says quite a lot about family, trust, kinship, respect and appreciation.

It is also food porn ... his sushi is art and I'd even consider flying to Tokyo to give the $300 a meal a try. The film is delicate and intimate and special. Few films have caused me to stream a few tears because of sheer joy but Jiro and his story, passion, love and respect for his sons and apprentices made me do so.

He is a remarkable human being and the film touches on humanity and our purpose. To bring joy to one another and to care for our home. The chefs make noticable mention of a growing scarcity of fish which worries them because they make a living off of it .

.. but more importantly because they love it. They respect a fully-aged and grown tuna as something perfect to be revered and eaten at the proper time. They are worried about the mass-marketing of sushi and that it is no longer special .

.. which is what is depleting the populations. Jiro is wise ... and old. There is just something about learning from one's elders ... Jiro has my respect.