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    Jiro rêve de sushi

    Reviewed by
    adamwatchesmovies@

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    “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” could have easily been a fluff piece or, even worse, an advertisement, but it’s so much more. This documentary about an 85-year-old sushi chef is inspirational and fascinating, not to mention mouth-watering.

    Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat restaurant that only serves sushi, has a reservation fee beginning at 30,000 yen. By the end of this documentary, you'll be convinced that number is appropriate. Its owner and head chef, Jiro Ono, is a man who takes his craft so seriously his job isn’t a job, it’s his way of life. This master is constantly thinking of new ways to improve his cuisine. He carefully considers the amount of time spent massaging the octopus to achieve the perfect texture. He observes his clients and adjusts the amount of rice they receive so everyone will finish chewing simultaneously. He’ll position the food differently for right-handed people than for lefties. His restaurant only serves sushi because he noticed guests were getting full before the main course. Unsurprisingly, he doesn't enjoy taking time off from his job.

    Seeing that kind of dedication to a craft is a life-changing experience. Will I, one day, be able to dedicate myself to my work, or any topic, as well as Jiro? If I do, will I enter the same zen state he experiences when his customers exhale after that first bite?

    “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” has a lot to say about being the best there is at what you do. It also serves as a lesson in Japanese society. This documentary comments on the environment, the economy and on what is needed to feel truly happy. Don’t mistake this piece by David Gelb for overly sappy fluff, however. Some of the most profound moments are tinged with sadness. Jiro's sons wonder if they will ever be recognized as the great chefs that they are, or if they are forever doomed to hear “yeah, but your father was better”. It makes you think about reputation and how difficult it must be to live in the shadow of a great man.

    The content wouldn’t mean much if it weren’t presented well. This is where the cinematography comes in. The sushi makers at work and the food are shot beautifully and the editing is terrific. We move from one idea to the next so smoothly the film passes by like it's nothing. This feels less like a series of carefully curated scenes and more like a free-flowing conversation with a master.

    You might be skeptical about a documentary about a sushi chef – world-renowned or not - but “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is so much more than images of food while someone narrates over the dishes. Even if you don't like raw fish, you'll be starving by the end of the credits and eager to show the world what you have to offer. (Theatrical version on the big screen, July 12, 2012)

    10
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    adamwatchesmovies@  9.1.2015 age: 26-35 2,867 reviews

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