Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Rated PG, 1 hr 21 mins. With subtitles.

First of all, I know what you are thinking. Really, Danna? Another food movie? Yes. This really isn't so much about food as much as it is about what it means to find your passion and to give it everything you have.  Some people are born with talent. Some people work hard to get to the top. Some people have what it takes, but do nothing with it.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is a documentary and was recommended to me by a friend and co-worker.  I honestly have no idea why he thought I should watch it. Maybe it was because I was telling him of me and my husband's sushi making adventures. Or maybe he felt that I needed some inspiration in my life.  No matter, I watched it and I loved it.

Jiro is an 85 year old Sushi bad-ass who serves up sushi in a Tokyo subway station at 30,000 yen (approx $270 USD) per person. His restaurant serves only sushi by reservations and guests should be prepared to wait months to get their name on the list. First off, I can't imagine spending $270 on an entire meal for me and my husband, let alone just that for me. Jiro, his son, and his team of apprentices serve you a menu of the freshest, simplest form of sushi based on what they picked up at the fish market that day. You don't tell them what you want. You take what Jiro gives you and you will like it.

This documentary follows the life of Jiro, his son Yoshikazu, and the apprentices at his restaurant.  Yes, they make sushi, but Jiro had a hard beginning to life and he left home at 9 and worked his way into a kitchen where he was an apprentice. He describes how sushi became his life and passion and how all he wants to do is make the best sushi. Even though he has won 3 Michelin stars, he says there is always room for improvement. His work ethic and drive is enough to shame the hardest workers I know.  He is the boss that you want to impress.

This movie is enchanting, authentic, and inspiring on so many different levels. It made me want to be a better employee, find what drives me, and be a better person.  Listening to Jiro's struggles, the struggles of his kids, and struggles of his employees put our own lives into perspective.  How many of us can say that our passions bring home our pay check? This movie emphasizes that it's not about the money. It's about the quality. When you pour love and passion into your skill or dreams, good things come.

I highly recommend this documentary for anyone. It is all in Japanese with English Subtitles, but well worth the watch.  It also wouldn't hurt for you to have some sushi on hand as it will make you very hungry.

Have you seen this movie? What did you think? Please let me know!

Danna