New Visions: JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI (David Gelb, 2011)
Event Date: May 29, 2012 - 7:30pm
Location: The James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall 1409, UCLA
New Visions of Japanese Cinema
Sponsored by UCLA's Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies
An appetizing documentary in every sense, JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI follows 85-year-old master sushi chef Jiro Ono, paying lushly photographed homage to the process of preparing the artisan sushi that earned Ono’s esteemed Sukiyabashi Jiro restaurant three Michelin stars. From the complicated relationship between Jiro and his sons to the ins and outs of the tuna auction, this spirited film profiles all aspects of Jiro’s craft in tantalizing style and detail.
Co-Presented by the Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies
Join us for a post-show Q&A with co-producer Kevin Iwashina and editor/associate producer Brandon Driscoll-Luttringer, moderated by UCLA professor Anne McKnight!
Audience Award, São Paulo International Film Festival
Official Selection, Tribeca Film Festival
Official Selection, Transilvania International Film Festival
Official Selection, Melbourne International Film Festival
Official Selection, San Sebastián International Film Festival
Official Selection, AFI FEST
Official Selection, Stockholm International Film Festival
“An appetizing portrait of 85-year-old Jiro Ono, the oldest chef to win three Michelin stars (for his 10-seater, sushi-only Tokyo restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro), pic is as clean and simple as one of its subject's creations.” –Leslie Felperin, VARIETY
“It is as much a family saga as a visit to sushi nirvana, and that adds an unexpected and satisfying narrative to this visual stunner.” –Linda Barnard, TORONTO STAR
“JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is as elegant and tasty as the splendid sushi prepared by the man in the title, and that is saying a lot.” –Kenneth Turan, LOS ANGELES TIMES
“At its simplest level, JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI is a portrait of a master. In its deeper layers, it explores what drives us to make things: Beautiful, jewel-like things, or things that delight our palate – or, in this case, both.” –Stephanie Zacharek, MOVIELINE
Director: David Gelb
Featuring: Jiro Ono, Yoshikazu Ono, Masuhiro Yamamoto, Takashi Ono, Hachiro Mizutani
Magnolia Pictures
35mm, 81 min.
