Jiro Dreams of Sushi [HD]

Amazing spirit
This quiet, low-key documentary describes a most amazing man, Jiro. For more than half-a-hundred years, this octagenarian has devoted himself to one thing: perfecting the art of making sushi. His restaurant might not look like much. You pass through a subway turnstile on the way there, then find just ten seats in the cramped space inside. A lot of the time, staff outnumber customers. You need a reservation a month in advance and expect to pay US$375 minimum, but I assume it goes up from there. In return, you get a Michelin three-star experience - according to Michelin, the third star means it's worth visiting the country just to experience that one restaurant.

In some ways, Jiro-san seems a throwback. He expects a ten-year apprenticeship from his students (some of whom last only one day). His ethic resembles a samurai's, in its single-minded, lifelong devotion to perfecting his craft. When he passes the baton, it will be by primogeniture. The younger son will need to make...

Perfect. Just spectacularly good.
This movie is about sushi, but also really not at all about sushi. An 80-something master sushi maker is still at work, striving to make perfect sushi. The wonderful second story line here is: how can children live up to such great parents? How can we come into our own in the shadow of greatness? This theme is beautifully explored in this documentary. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is terrifically moving & inspiring, while also peppered with several really funny moments. The father and son are rich material for this story. Watching this is time well spent.

An exceptional glimpse into the world of sushi
What was attractive about "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" is that it already has this massively positive reputation. That's one of the more exciting aspects of being a critic; stepping outside of what you know, are familiar with, or expect to enjoy to find great films that weren't even on your radar. The title of the film is pretty straightforward about what to expect from the film. The documentary follows Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi restaurant owner. Jiro's restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro, is extremely popular, has its fair share of accolades and is extremely well merited, and is known to be one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo; sometimes considered the best by a good portion of his customers. You're shown Jiro's undying devotion to his job as he works with his 50-year-old son Yoshikazu, who is expected to take over the restaurant once his father decides to retire.

Even after watching the film for its 82-minute duration, Jiro is still kind of a mystery. He is completely...

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