I watched Jiro dreams of sushi for the second time last night. This is my first post about a movie, but this movie is for foodies, sushi lovers, Japan-o-files and perfectionists everywhere. I recommend this film even if you don’t like sushi.
I am not going to tell you every detail of the film because I hate it when people do that, but I will tell you that Jiro Ono is said to be the most famous sushi chef in the world. His tiny 10 seat restaurant is the only one of it’s kind to earn 3 Michelin Stars even though the bathroom is outside the restaurant. It costs a minimum of 30,000 Yen / $360 dollars to dine at his restaurant. It takes at least a month to get a reservation and I am guessing more now that the film has been out for a bit.
Without telling you much, I will tell you that this is a visually beautiful film about sad beginnings and happy endings, a man whose face resembles a turtle in a cute way and in an “I’m going to snap your finger off” way. It is a story about people who sacrifice many things in order to achieve perfection in just one thing.
There is no way you will watch this film and not change the way you look at sushi for life, unless, of course, you have already eaten at his restaurant.
STUFF
Jiro Ono was 85 when this film was shot
The name of his restaurant is Sukiyabashi Jiro
Jiro Dreams of Sushi is one of the only great films available on Instant Que on Netflix. You can probably rent on iTunes as well.
If you watch this film, you should have a reservation at your favorite sushi counter lined up.
If you ever want to give me an extravagant gift, a trip to Japan and a reservation at Jiro’s restaurant is one idea.
THOUGHT:
I went through a food snob phase when it came to sushi. I used to say things like, “California rolls are not sushi”, or ” I can’t stand to see people rub their chopsticks together” or “what the hell is a Sake bomb”, but I have changed my tune. Food evolves and if you don’t consider a California roll to be an evolution, then let’s just say that it is a “change”, just like language and everything else. You can be a purist all day long about anything, but what I find amusing is that there is always someone out there that is more of a purist than you at whatever it is you are passionate about. I may quietly judge certain “trends” in food, but that is just me becoming crotchety. If no one tried anything new and if no one pushed limits, life would suck. So if you find yourself being judgmental about “real sushi”, wine or anything, just remember, that there is someone around the corner judging you too and what a waste that is.
So I shouldn’t rub my chopsticks together? 🙂
The film sounds lovely, and yes, I already want sushi….
I’ve heard of him. but does it cost a minimum of 30,000 Yen / $360 dollars at his restaurant??!!
Oh my goodness, I didn’t know that…