A scene from JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, a film by David Gelb. Picture courtesy Fortissimo Films. All rights reserved.
- Jiro Ono
- Masuhiro Yamamoto
- Takashi Ono
- Yoshikazu Ono
Producer:
Executive Producer:
Co-Executive Producer:
- Ross Dinerstein
- Jeremy Umland
- Ed Odjana
Photography Director:
Distributor:
Production Company:
* Most external filmography links go to The Internet Movie Database.
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Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)
Opened: 03/09/2012 Limited
| Sunshine Cinema | 09/30/2011 - 10/06/2011 | 7 days |
| Limited | 09/30/2011 | |
| Limited | 03/09/2012 | |
| IFC Center | 03/09/2012 - 05/10/2012 | 63 days |
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| The Landmark | 03/23/2012 - 05/10/2012 | 49 days |
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| Claremont 5 | 03/23/2012 - 03/29/2012 | 7 days |
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Trailer: Click for trailer
Genre: Japanese Documentary (In Japanese w/English subtitles)
Rated: PG for mild thematic elements and brief smoking.
Synopsis
JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is a quiet yet enthralling documentary that chronicles the life of Jiro Ono, the most famous sushi chef in Tokyo. For most of his 85 years, Jiro has been perfecting the art of making sushi. He works from sunrise to well beyond sunset to taste every piece of fish; meticulously train his employees; and carefully mold and finesse the impeccable presentation of each sushi creation. Although his restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro only seats ten diners, it is a phenomenon in Tokyo that has won the prestigious 3-Star Michelin review, making him the oldest Michelin chef alive. JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI chronicles Jiro's life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world, and as a loving yet complicated father of two.
Jiro's incomparable work ethic is the driving force behind JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, but the heart of this film is how that ambition has influenced his sons' lives as well. Eldest son Yoshikazu is the heir apparent to the sushi empire, but Jiro is not ready to retire or to relinquish any of his responsibilities. With a famous father guiding and critiquing every decision, Yoshikazu is unable to reach his fullest potential. However, he is proud to learn from a true sushi master, thus revealing the inner struggle of how a dutiful son shows reverence to his father yet control over his own domain.
JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI explores the passion required to run and maintain a legendary sushi restaurant, and one son's journey to eventually take his father's place at the head of the culinary dynasty.
About the Story
Director David Gelb's frequent family trips to Japan while growing up ultimately led to his fascination and admiration for the art of making sushi. He explains, "After college, I saw BBC's "Planet Earth," and immediately thought that it would be great if someone made a movie like that about the world's best sushi chef. I always felt that sushi is the most visually creative food. And the sushi chef is the ultimate showman." Gelb embarked on a tour of Tokyo's greatest sushi restaurants with renowned critic Yamamoto and discovered the famed restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro. Once he met chef Jiro and ate the most delicious sushi of his life, he knew that this man would be the subject of the film, stating, "In addition to the amazing sushi, I was intrigued by the fact that he is not only working at 85 years old, but that his sons still work for him."
Gelb spent eight weeks in Tokyo over the course of two years, gathering footage and delving headfirst into Jiro's world. Gelb and Editor Brandon Driszoll- Luttringer worked closely to bring out this man's story, looking to illustrate how his work ethic has molded his character and that of his sons. Gelb states, "Jiro's refusal to quit reminds me of my grandparents, who still rise at 5:00 am every morning to write. This is why they are still so sharp. Like Jiro, they never stop Improving." This act of propelling oneself forward and never looking back is one of the main themes of the film.
BECOMING A MASTER...
"There are five attributes to a great chef:
- Take your work seriously
- Aspire to improve
- Maintain cleanliness
- Be a better leader than a collaborator
- Be passionate about your work."
--Yamamoto, Food Critic
Jiro certainly embodies all of these characteristics, but it is his philosophy on his occupation that elevates him to another level of greatness. Gelb states, "What I saw in Jiro was not just his culinary technique -- not just his work. I want to show people that sushi is so much more than putting fish on rice. Jiro has created an art form. And his philosophy is to always improve your craft, to always look ahead to the future. That is something that anyone can relate to." Jiro never rests on his reputation. He still mentally prepares himself before a dinner service and consistently strives to find the best ingredients, the best staff, and the best dishes to serve his patrons.
Jiro's tireless hours in the restaurant have defined his life and molded his role as a father. His dedication to his craft is fascinating, as is his relationship with his sons. Even though his eldest son is fifty years old, he continues to work and learn from his aging father every day. With a steadfast reverence that any father would hope for, Yoshikazu admires his father's success but also recognizes that he has the daunting task of replacing him one day. In the film, Jiro says, "Although I'm 85 years old, I don't feel like retiring yet." Instead of exhibiting bitterness towards his aging father, Yoshikazu allows himself to absorb as much knowledge as possible from this master. He is preparing himself so that when the time eventually comes, he will be ready. The question the film raises is when will that day come?
Trailer
