150 Word Review: 'Jiro Dreams Of Sushi' (2011)
Word of the day: 'Shokunin'
When asked what inspired this newsletter, I give two answers. First, I used to write short blurbs in the upfront sections of magazines, and 150 words was usually the maximum word count. Second, Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
I watch this soothing, inspiring, award-winning documentary from 2011 at least once a year. Beloved sushi chef Jiro Ono is very good at his job. His modest restaurant is famous, but it only seats ten. Jiro is an artisan who achieves perfection through repetition—he shapes and molds similar pieces of elegant sushi over and over again, every day.
Director David Gelb's doc is part study of a master craftsman, part portrait of a father and son. Jiro was 85 during filming and his 50-year-old son who was patiently waiting for his turn. I have no talent for perfection, but I think of Jiro when I write short reviews. There is freedom in ritual.
It deserves your applause. If you'd like more of that vibe, get 'Tsukiji Wonderland' (Japan 2016), 'Come Back Anytime (Japan 2022), and 'My Love, Don't Cross That River (Korea 2014). And, if love can replace food, then 'The Eternal Memory (Chile 2023) is the most satisfying meal.
Series wise, there's 'Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories' (Japan, season 1 better than 2) and 'The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House (Japan 2023).
It is a great movie I will never forget.