Jiro Dreams of Sushi - 3 1/2 smiles

David Gelb’s wonderful documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” explores one man’s pursuit of perfection. Every day, Jiro Ono, prepares simple trays of raw fish and rice in Sukiyabashi Jiro, his 10-seat sushi bar, tucked away in a Tokyo subway concourse. ‘You have to fall in love with your job,’ Ono says. ‘You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill.’ One would think that earning three Michelin stars, the guide’s highest rating and first ever for a sushi-only establishment, would be enough for this 85-year-old chef. But Jiro literally dreams of better ways to serve his eel, tuna and octopus. And he expects his apprentices to serve ten years with him before he deems them sufficiently prepared to create sushi. In fact, one apprentice recalls cooking eggs 200 times before getting Jiro’s approval. That’s when he cried with gratitude. Jiro’s tiny bar is booked solid months ahead of time despite its daunting prices ($300 or more for a dinner).

Director Gelb also explores the relationship between Jiro and his two sons. The elder Yoshikazu has worked at Sukiyabashi for decades (he’s in his 50s now) and is expected to succeed his father when he eventually steps down or dies. Takashi, the younger son, apprenticed with his father and then opened his own sushi bar. Takashi seems less burdened by expectations and happy to be out from under his father’s shadow. “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” is a meditation on work, on finding one’s path in life and then walking that path with love and purpose. 3/22/12