I was asked by my blogging friend and movie reviewer superstar, Fog, my two cents on the movie Jiro Dreams of Sushi. About a year ago, I suggested to Fog that he should check out this documentary, but he was a tad apprehensive about watch it. I don’t blame him for feeling that way towards this film. Face value, it looks like a boring documentary about a sushi chef. I mean, come on, who wants to watch a documentary about SUSHI. I totally get it, but Jiro Dreams of Sushi is more than just sushi. It’s a philosophical look into doing what you love and perfecting it.
I do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more. I’ll continue to climb, trying to reach the top, but no one knows where the top is ~ Jiro
Jiro has almost a Yoda-like quality in this movie. He is filled with one-lines that make you stop and think about your own self. This movie is more than just sushi.
For a better review just out Fog’s post. He does a better job describing the movie than I can. You can also read my two cents on his blog as well. It’s not thought-provoking, whatsoever. Actually, it makes me sound dumb. Oh wells.
How does it make you sound dumb? LOL.
I had a bit of “meh” towards it before I watched it, but it was also a scheduling thing too. Hard for me to work movies in if I’m not writing about ‘em now. In fact, I SHOULD be off to “Stand Up Guys” right now!!
Nice recommendation, Jen, and a good post, dont worry for anything!! 
@Dan: HAHA. I don’t know, I thought I sounded “not smart” on your answers. It’s all good. Maybe I’m just being hard on myself.
I’m glad that you liked it. I would feel so bad if you ended up not liking it.
Let me know how “Stand Up Guys” is. I’m kinda “meh” with that film.
I actually love films like this – because I grew up on PBS, channel 10. So I will check it out.
I really enjoyed this film. At times I thought it dragged a little but on the whole, loved it. I’m so annoyed that I didn’t get to see that fish market when I was in Tokyo last December. I mean i tried to because of this film, but I ended up following a friend’s advice and totally missed it. =(
I watched this a few months back and loved it. I think you’re spot on about how it’s really a movie about finding what you love and doing it. I found it interesting that Jiro’s happiness came from the process, wheras in the west, happiness is the end result. Jiro is totally Yoda!
I was a little bit worried about the sons though…I’m not completely convinced that the older son really wanted to be in sushi, especially knowing that he’s not as good as his father. I think it was kind of merciful that the younger son had to open his own restaurant, because he can make it the way he wants rather than have to continue his father’s legacy.
@Ihilani: Good point on the father-sons relationship. I think Jiro is super critical when it comes to his sons, especially when it comes to the family business. On the other hand, Japanese are known to have a easy time showing angry than love. Don’t ask me why that is, but it is. Isn’t that sad? I believe that Jiro is confident in his oldest son’s abilities, but chooses not to say it. He may not show or say it, but I believe he has more faith in his sons than his sons does.
I think this is a great sounding documentary, considering I love sushi. But maybe I save it until July so I don’t cry because I can’t have any
.
@Lisa: Oh yes…don’t watch this documentary right now. You will KILL ME! LOL My friend just told me about this other sushi documentary that has the opposite effect. I forgot what it is called, but it’s about the unethical treatment of the raw fish. I choose to live in denial. LOL
Hehe. I won’t do that to you then
. Yes, I have heard of another sushi documentary along those lines.
Whelp, you just gave me a massive craving for sushi that I can’t fix until I come back to the States
That really looks like an awesome movie, though. I like the idea of striving for perfection, but having no idea where that really is. Definitely adding this movie to my list of films – thanks!
I LOVED this doc! The quality of filmmaking alone is worth and hour and a half or whatever of your life! I really liked the story of the older son that works with him (and especially the part about the Michelin rating!). And remember that guy who said he cried when he finally got the tamago right? I was so inspired by their passion for and dedication to their work!
@Tiera: Isn’t it amazing how you start to compare yourself to this movie? I wished I had so much passion and dedication in what I do, but I don’t. So sad…I have to find my passion and dedication, but when I do find it…I’m going to thrive to be the best.
OMG…our birthday is next week!
I have this in my queue but haven’t watched it. It’s one of those types of films I need to be in the mood for. I’m glad you enjoyed it and the premise really appeals to me. Btw, I really enjoy when you do do reviews of Hulu and Netflix finds. There are a lot of frogs to kiss there and it’s nice to get a recommendation from someone. I review things that aren’t brand spanking new too and think great stuff should continue to get their time in the spotlight even it wasn’t released yesterday.
@Tania: I know what you mean…that’s how I feel about a lot of movies. I have to be in the mood to watch the movie, I can’t just up and watch it. Seriously, it’s a great movie and it’s so much more than sushi. I think sushi is what draws you in, but it’s Jiro’s wise philosophy that makes you stay. When you do watch it, have tons of sushi on hand and let me know what you think.
Thanks for the wonderful compliment. I should start doing these Hulu/Netflix reviews more often.
I had been debating whether or not to watch this movie and you just sold me. Totally adding it to my Netflix queue tonight!
I finally saw it! I thought it was pretty good! I love documentaries. My hometown has a documentary film festival every year. Have you seen The Imposter and Queen of Versailles from last year?