ETHAN GRUBB

Oftentimes within the world of culinary films, there is a highly dramatic view on what it is like to run a restaurant. While the act of doing so is very stressful, the end product is usually very well presented. Even if there is drama within the kitchen, the people dining in the restaurant don’t know that. The customers see a well put-together establishment and a proper meal. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is the documentary equivalent of a fine dining experience.

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Jiro Dreams of Sushi, given a limited U.S. release in 2012, is a documentary directed by David Gelb. Gelb may also be known for The Lazarus Effect and Chef’s Table. The film’s focus is on Japanese sushi chef Jiro Ono and his prestigious restaurant in Tokyo. Much like the restaurant, this film is award-winning, with multiple DFCS Award wins. Being the head chef at the restaurant, Jiro’s goal is simple — to make better sushi. He continues to innovate and make his technique better, even after having worked to perfect it for over 70 years. He says in the film that “it has to be better than last time.” In addition, because of his age, he knows that there will be a day where his son has to take over his business, so a portion of this film is dedicated to discussing his apprentices. The way it is all presented is very artful. Jiro Dreams of Sushi provides the viewer with an elegant viewing experience, similar to what could be expected from dining in Ono’s restaurant.

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There is a very clear attention to quality noted in this film. The title isn’t just for fun, as “Ono says that he does indeed dream of raw fish and vinegared rice (Jenkins).” In addition to his constant thoughts of improvement, it is mentioned that the food is not good unless it is better than the last time. Also, it’s obvious that the chef loves his job. He says many times, “I love making sushi.” It’s reassuring, as the customer, to know how much the staff cares about your experience. In combination with several shots of the chef placing down a completed piece of sushi, this makes for a viewing experience that could make one truly understand the level of care going into this. That reassurance makes it pleasant to watch, knowing how amazing it really is.

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That said, knowing of the actual flavor of the food is more important than the idea of its quality. The film once again comes in to fill that description in, giving detailed information on the flavor profile of their sushi. It is described as, “the ‘harmony of fish, sushi rice and soy sauce’ (Michael).” Even if you’re not a fan of vinegared rice and cold fish, the glimpses of these small masterpieces and descriptions of their process and taste can pique the interest of the pickiest eater. Just like when you’re hungry and ready for your meal to arrive, this movie will make you want to eat, matching the real-life feeling of being in a restaurant.

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All in all, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a fine documentary, and a great culinary documentary. It is able to capture the feeling of a dining experience from anywhere in the world, which can be hard to do in some scenarios due to cinematography and dialogue choices. As far as my personal opinion on the movie, I liked it. Documentaries generally aren’t my favorite genre, but I was able to distance myself from that to sit back and enjoy this one. As a film, I’d probably give this one an 8/10. However, if I were to rank it on how much it made me want to eat sushi on the streets of Tokyo, it would be a guaranteed 10/10.

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Works Cited

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Gelb, David, director. Jiro Dreams of Sushi. Magnolia Pictures, 2012.

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James, Phil. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi. On Discipline and Refining Your Skills - Good Milkshake Digital: Digital Marketing for Restaurants: Social Media for Restaurants: Des Moines, Iowa.” Good Milkshake Digital | Digital Marketing for Restaurants | Social Media for Restaurants | Des Moines, Iowa, Good Milkshake Digital | Digital Marketing for Restaurants | Social Media for Restaurants | Des Moines, Iowa, 18 Apr. 2017, www.goodmilkshake.com/shakeblog/2017/4/18/jiro-dreams-of-sushi-discipline-and-refining-your-skills.

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Jenkins, Mark. “'Jiro Dreams Of Sushi': Perfection, Carefully Sliced.” NPR, NPR, 8 Mar. 2012, www.npr.org/2012/03/08/147972050/jiro-dreams-of-sushi-perfection-carefully-sliced.

“Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 15 Mar. 2012, www.imdb.com/title/tt1772925/

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Michael, Chris. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi: a Film about Fish, Fine-Dining and Fatherhood.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 11 Jan. 2013, www.theguardian.com/film/2013/jan/11/jiro-dreams-of-sushi-documentary.