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JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is a thoughtful and elegant meditation on work, family, and the art of perfection, chronicling Jiro Ono’s life as both an unparalleled success in the culinary world and as a loving yet complicated father.
Director: David Gelb
Share this film so that others can enjoy and be inspired by the story of sushi chef Jiro Ono.
Learn the history of sushi, from it’s inception in the 4th century to the innovative approach of Jiro Ono. Do some research to learn about the training it takes to become a Master Japanese Sushi Chef and what attributes are necessary to earn this title.
Appreciate the craftsmanship the next time you go out for sushi and try to view it not only as something delicious to eat but also as “food art” and craft.
Consider whether you have a particular passion or skill that you would like to master. If so, come up with a plan for how to start focusing on the things you love. If not, there are plenty of artists and craftsmen you can help support.
GO ALL THE WAY
“If you’re not gonna go all the way, why go at all?”
Daisuke Nakazawa, one of the chefs featured in JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, now has his own restaurant, Sushi Nakazawa in New York.
New York Times food critic Pete Wells gave it four stars and declared it the best restaurant of 2013.
Read Wells’ review here.
“The first few days, I didn’t even bring a camera. I wanted to just watch and observe, and meet the people they work with in the fish market.… My goal was to kind of embed myself into their routine as much as possible without influencing what they were doing in any way.”
Gelb discusses his unusual subject, how to make a film mouthwatering, and whether, after spending months with Jiro Ono, he’s been ruined for American sushi. Check out Interview Magazine.
The Atlantic reveals the role of sushi.
David Gelb talks about how the project came about, his relationships with subjects Jiro Ono and Yoshikazu, and how the human element — the story — makes the film something more than just a piece of food porn.
Find the interview on Eater.
Read Daniel Dworkin’s thought-provoking review of JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI on the Huffington Post.
Go here to learn what’s involved.
As with many culinary traditions, there is a correct way to order and eat sushi.
Here’s your guide, filled with both etiquette and technique tips. It tells you how to order at a sushi bar, how to actually eat the various pieces, how to talk to the chef, and the truth about soy sauce and wasabi.
Listen to our playlist with music from the film on Spotify.
“As with many ancient foods, the history of sushi is surrounded by legends and folklore. In one Japanese wives’ tale, an elderly woman began hiding pots of rice in osprey nests, which fermented and got mixed with fish scraps.… While it’s a cute story, the true origins of sushi are somewhat more mysterious.”
Learn more from The History Kitchen.
