Re Watching Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Been watching this excellent 2011 documentary entitled Jiro Dreams of Sushi (if you can't watch it at Netflix, you can always try Amazon instant videos). The documentary touches on the life of Jiro Ono and how he came to be. He is considered to be the best sushi chef in Japan. Been watching it in order to get inspired for something I have to do for my kid's school activity where parents have to present something in behalf of their kid. Yeah yeah, so I'm a bit obsessive when it comes to everything and I never ever felt comfortable with half-assing anything *snicker*.

Aside from being astounded by the art of Sushi master Jiro Ono, I am also enthralled by the artistry of the director, David Gelb. The cinematography is a narcotic for the eyes with its depth of color and the predominance of the color palette of Jiro's restaurant. I always loved those light brown colors of Japanese wood that you can see in most houses and eating establishments.

Jiro transcends being an ordinary sushi chef to that of being an artist. A lot of effort and time (years on years) has been put by him to master the craft of creating the perfect gastronomic experience for one who dines at his restaurant. There was a price to pay however for the long hours he spent at work. And that was that he had to spend a lot of time away from his family and never really got to experience seeing his children growing up. But I guess it wasn't a total loss as both brothers ended up apprenticing under him and eventually learning the family business. And by their hard work, have been able to achieve to status of master sushi chefs under Jiro's tutelage.

After reading Steve Job's biography I couldn't help but notice the similarities of the two, as well as the differences. He's like Jobs and Steve Wozniak combined. You could just imagine how Apple could soar to even greater heights if they could find a CEO like him to helm them once again. Obsessive, creative and with a laser like focus.

My take away from this excellent documentary is that good artists are perfectionists to the point of obsession and whose level of creativity borders already on enlightenment. This perfectionism instills in them a need to master their craft to the microscopic level in order to astound and amaze their intended audience. And more often then not, they say they do it for their craft and not for the money.

This school project of my son that I'm obsessing over, definitely won't earn me any money. Not even for the Lul'z. I'm just hoping to do something jaw dropping that my kid will look cool in front of his peers. Doing it for the love I guess...hehehe