Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Though it's packed with mouth-watering images of glistening nigiri, the heart of David Gelb's riveting documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi lies with Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old Michelin-starred sushi chef who has happily devoted to his life to seeking perfection in a single bite. With the help of noted Japanese food writer Masahiro Yamamoto, Gelb explores the stoic chef's uniquely Japanese philosophy of shokunin; the dedication of oneself to developing, honing, and perfecting a single skill. It's a demanding way of life that Jiro has passed on to his two sons, sushi masters Yoshikazu and Takashi. Their respectful and formal relationship with Jiro is the film's most moving element, and the ongoing discussion of whether Yoshikazu will ever be able to live up to his father adds a surprising layer of Shakespearean weight. Late in the documentary, there's a sober acknowledgement that sushi's popularity has lead to a decrease in fish stocks and quality, which endangers the sustainability of the chef's exactingly high standards. The movie's spare simplicity mirrors Jiro's cleanly elegant hand gestures, an orchestral movement unto themselves that's complemented by the Philip Glass-inspired score. Jiro Dreams of Sushi is filled with moments of joy and beauty, but none more inspiring than a small, fleeting smile from the man himself.