I really thought I would like this film. I am learning to enjoy sushi more and more and have seen other films on this topic. But no, that was not to be. I finally gave up after about thirty minutes into the film. Jiro may very well be a sushi master but this film did not do him or sushi any favors.

The documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a love letter from director David Gelb to the art of sushi, and, had moreover, Japan. The film gets its namesake from Jiro Ono, the 86-year-old owner of the Michelin- rated Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo, who has spent his life studying and perfecting his craft. Ono is obsessed with creating better and better sushi, and has trained his sons in the craft. Jiro is not solely about sushi, though; the film provides a beautiful insight into traditional Japanese work ethic and father-son relationship.The film follows Jiro and his sons through the preparation for a night at Sukiyabashi, a painstaking process that includes visits to fishmongers and the proper way to prepare a very specific type of rice. Told mainly by Jiro and his sons, the story is supplemented by food critic Yamamoto and Jiro's former apprentice, Mizutani. These two supply an outside perspective that helps emphasize how extraordinary Jiro is, especially as he cannot see it himself. He is constantly seeking perfection in his craft, something he rarely, if ever, believes he achieves. The interviews are interspersed with beautiful shots of red-violet velveteen tuna, the perfectly choreographed forming of sushi, and delicate preparation of raw octopus. Accompanied by the stunning, minimalist music of composer Phillip Glass, Jiro will by far be one of the most elegant, gorgeous films you will ever see. Director Gelb has himself said that he was inspired by the film Planet Earth, and his commitment to capturing the uncommon beauty of such a common food shows.The story of Jiro Ono is one of extreme self-discipline and commitment to excellence. He is obsessed with creating the best sushi, and refuses to allow himself a rest. The only holidays he takes are those that are required, and even then, he will not allow himself to relax. He will no allow his sons to relax, either, especially his eldest, Yoshikazu, who will take over the restaurant someday. Jiro pushes and critiques Yoshikazu, seemingly hoping to inspire the same passion for sushi. However, Yoshikazu's passion lies in fast cars and planes, and it is only when he is talking about his car that he shows any excitement at all. As is traditional is Japanese families, keeping the family business and reputation alive supersedes any other passions one may have. Especially as a Westerner, it is difficult watching Jiro push his sons so hard, knowing that they would probably not be making sushi if it were up to them. Having grown up in a country that encourages and rewards individualism and autonomy, watching children put their father's passion and legacy before their own desires is a completely foreign concept. I struggle to reconcile my desire for Yoshikazu and Takashi to follow their own dreams, and to respect the traditions of a culture I am not a part of. I am left feeling resigned to my sorrow, wishing for the sons to live the life they each want, but knowing that I am not the one making that decision. Overall, Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a solid documentary. I find myself left with more questions than I started with, but it is worth the watch if only for the beautiful sushi preparation scenes. There is no happy ending for Jiro Ono, but it is a wonderful, intimate capture of the intricacies of humanity.

In Tokyo, 85 year old sushi master Jiro Ono runs his famous restaurant in the basement of an office complex. His obsession leads him to dream of sushi. He doesn't stop working except for national holidays and funerals. He refuses to retire even after being hospitalized. His 50 year old elder son Yoshikazu has been working for him since 19. The younger son Takashi opened his own restaurant.There are surprisingly many aspects to this documentary. Obviously, there is the man and his obsession. There is also the son forever in his shadow and their relationship. There is also the lesser son getting out from under his shadow. There are the apprentices working away. There are the vendors, the fish traders and a side trip down conservation road. There is also the food porn aspect. It looks hypnotic and delicious.

I don't even like fish. I hate the very thought of sushi. This documentary film should really have been consigned to the 'do not watch, like ever' list but I found myself reluctantly immersed in Jiro's fabulous world of sushi the other night and I quite liked it. In fact I really loved it.I had NO idea. No idea at all about sushi, thought it was just a bunch of cold, raw fish, in fact it is essentially just a bunch of cold, raw fish but we'll leave that thought there for now. This film hooks you from the off, that's all you need to know.Jiro Ono is an 85 year old sushi master who runs a tiny sushi restaurant in Tokyo that has three Michelin stars. Sukiyabashi Jiro is a really tiny establishment, seating just 11 people, the toilet is outside the restaurant and they don't serve appetisers or fanny around with pomp and ceremony. If you are lucky enough to go there, it has a one month waiting list for bookings, you will be served a taster menu of twenty or so different sushi dishes and if you know your sushi then I expect you will be glad to be there because you will be in heaven.Jiro has an amazing philosophy on life, he believes you should decide your occupation and then immerse yourself in your work. This, in true zen master style, is Jiro's key to an honourable life. He should know, he's been living it for the past seventy something years and is still going strong. Apart from the Queen, he is the best preserved octogenarian I've ever seen.Jiro dreams about sushi, he repeats the same dish over and over again until he is satisfied with it and you are swept along in this fabulous tale of one man's life work and what it takes to become a genius. He would have you believe that his brilliance is just down to hard work and repetition but I would hazard a guess that Jiro is one of those rare treasures in this world, someone who is doing exactly what he was born to do. He is a sushi genius.This film is a rare and simple pleasure. Elegantly shot, it offers us not just a glimpse into the world of a Japanese sushi restaurant but a glimpse into the world of someone prepared to do what it takes to be outstanding. The themes of discipline, patience, hard work and passion are hard to swallow is our fast, fast world of instant gratification but satisfying to watch. All children should be made to watch this film before they start thinking about their future careers. I wish I had.