I look at some of the quotes on the box and I’m a little perplexed. Is Jiro Dreams of Sushi "Thrilling and Beautiful?" Well, I would agree it is beautiful. I am not sure it’s thrilling, but then that’s ok. There is no big secret to this documentary, no big reveal. There’s nothing that hits you like a ton of bricks and changes your worldview (well maybe you might be inspired to go into sushi, or simply inspired to save up for the ticket and what a meal at Jiro’s would cost you). It is still riveting, however, and keeps you glued to the screen from beginning to end.
How can a documentary be so simple, about such a simple man, and still be so interesting? I’d say if you already have some knowledge and love of Japanese culture, it helps. Jiro embodies the Japanese spirit and the qualities that are admired in that country in so many ways. He’s endlessly humble, never saying he’s achieved anything like perfection, yet so much of what he does is just that. He only buys the best fish, the best rice (he has a supplier that only sells to him because he doesn’t think anyone else can properly cook the rice he sells). He only serves sushi if it tastes perfect beforehand. He meticulously arranges even the seating for his guests as to create a more harmonious environment. He even pays attention to which hand a customer uses, anticipating their needs without asking. If he notices a left-handed person, he’ll place the next piece of sushi on that side for them.
Then, of course, there’s all that gorgeous food photography. Every time you see a piece of sushi plated, it rests just so slightly, everything glistens, and you just want to pick it up and try it. The restaurant is practically a hole in the wall, but it’s clean, simple, and comfortable looking.
Is that it though? This can’t be so interesting if it’s just a documentary about a really good restaurant and a really good chef. No, it goes deeper than that. It’s a story about working hard, even through monotony, and constantly improving. It’s about doing whatever you do, whether it’s buying fish, harvesting rice, or even wringing hot towels for your guests, at the very highest level. The truth is, Jiro was never working for a Michelin 3 star rating. He was never working for fame and fortune. He was just trying to be the very best at what he did. It’s refreshing and inspiring to think that the work you do can have meaning, whatever it is. Heck, it makes me think of a great plumber I know, or even that one cashier at the fast food restaurant: anyone who worked hard and thanklessly for what they do. Jiro reminds you of these people, even if he might be charging more than $300 a meal for each person that walks through his door. He reminds you that any job, done well, can be admired.
The special features have some deleted scenes that will teach you a bit more about sushi terminology and techniques, if you’re interested. It’s rounded out with commentary from the Director and Editor, as well as the theatrical trailer for the movie. You can also turn on the sushi gallery if you want some zen-like sushi imagery to grace your TV for a while. But overall, you won’t become a sushi expert after watching this film. It’s rather supplementary to your experience if you’re a sushi fanatic, rather than being a sushi Bible. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is just a nice experience, a simple story, and a good way to help you appreciate when you do find that awesome plate of sushi, or just about any dish done to perfection.
