Movie Review: Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Located inside a busy Tokyo subway hub, lies a crowned jewel of Japanese cuisine.  A small, yet perfectly designed and efficiently functional sushi bar, boasts the best sushi in all of Tokyo.  Reservations are taken one month in advance.  The restaurant only seats 10 people at a time. Sushi, the only item served at this restaurant, starts at about 30,000 yen.  Standing behind the counter........an icon and true sushi master Jiro Ono.

"Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is a brilliant documentary that depicts the artistry, passion, commitment, and sheer determination of one chef's love for his craft.  Jiro has worked in the sushi industry for 75 years.  At 85 years old, Chef Ono is the oldest recipient of Michelin's highest honor.....3 stars.  He is also in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest individual currently active in the workforce on a constant basis.....working day and night.

The story revolves around a true creature of habit.  Taking the same train into work and including his daily rituals with unrelenting precision..........performing the same duties and tasks day in and day out.  The results?  Striving to perfect his craft and continuously reaching for the next level of "deliciousness."

His eldest son Yoshikazu, heir to the sushi throne, lives in the huge shadow cast by his father.  The audience is quick to feel sorry for him as both they and Yoshikazu realize that these shoes are impossible to fill.  Yet he, and a handful of apprentices and prep cooks, toil day and night in the attempt to gain Jiro's approval.

Sushi training lasts for about 10 years.  The apprentice starts with handing hot towels then eventually works their way up to picking rice and massaging octopus for 45 minutes. Some quit...only lasting one day...while others possess the heart and desire to embrace their love.

The cinematic shots and photography of the sushi presented are breathtaking.  Glistening morsels of fish so fresh that you can almost still see it quiver.  Based on that old saying "You eat with your eyes first," this movie is a feast.  One of the best pictures of the year so far.

There are a handful of other "foodie" movies that I could recommend....either through netflix, redbox or available for purchase.  Each holds a very special place in my heart.  All exemplify the true nature and purpose for all things culinary.  The following are in no particular order.........

1) Ratatouille (2007)

Based on an extermination business in Paris (yes, I went and saw the store) this masterful animated jaunt explains food in a very unique yet down to earth way.  A particular scene has Remy, our hero, describing food in terms of texture and taste with a direct correlation to music and color.  It is one of the few movies that explains every one's role in the kitchen.  More importantly, it exhibits the power that food has to transport us to a more simple and happier time.   After tasting the signature dish, Anto Ego, the food critic, is immediately whisked back to childhood.  How many times have we felt the same way after tasting a grilled cheese sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup?  Or mac and cheese?

2) Big Night (1996)

A story of two brothers working at a failing Italian restaurant.  There last hope for salvation....one last meal to turn things around and save the family business.  Stanley Tucci cooks breakfast for his brother, Tony Shalhoub, in real time.  Tucci cooking eggs without a single word of dialogue spoken.  Brilliant.

3) Kings of Pastry (2009)

A moving documentary about the Meilleur Ouvrier de France.....a daunting 3 day pastry competition.

4)  Today's Special (2009)

Yes it's cheesy and cliche....especially the ending.  But any movie about a sous chef living in New York City who's trying to get by, hits really close to home with me.

5)  Food Inc. (2008)

A poiquant documentary that exposes corporate America by controlling the food industry while flexing their muscles towards small time farmers and land owners.

6)  Waiting (2005)

The quintessential training video for anyone entering the restaurant industry.  This movie nailed it.  For those who have seen this movie and worked or have been employed in the restaurant business, no explanation is needed.  For those who have not, no explanation is possible.