The secrets of a sushi master in his old age. This is a charming film that way but there is also a darker side of a man so driven he never takes a day off except for national holidays.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
PG | 1h 21min | Documentary | 15 March 2012 (Denmark)
A documentary on 85-year-old sushi master Jiro Ono, his renowned Tokyo restaurant, and his relationship with his son and eventual heir, Yoshikazu.
Director: David Gelb
Stars: Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto
My summary: This is the story of Jiro, a Japanese sushi master. It chronicles the day to day activities he has made into a system of making the best sushi in the world. All that while being quite simple in its recipe. As we are treated to a trip to the fish market and behind the chef counter, we see a story that is much more complicated as what meets the eye.
My take: It’s a truly hypnotic documentary that draws you in and doesn’t let go. Toward the middle it’s impossible to not be impressed by Jiro. Still, I felt a nagging curiosity about what his life might have been like had he not sold it completely to his sushi. I found it a bit sad that way, like he never pursued the “non-work” side of life. I think people can interpret it differently but I did find that aspect sad.
10/10
