The Big Picture One day, while watching the BBC documentary Planet Earth, director David Gelb had an idea for what he wanted to be his first feature film: a documentary featuring several sushi chefs, showcasing the artistic aspects of the sushi-making process. In 2010, while researching several restaurants for the project, then nicknamed Planet Sushi, he came across a small, 10-seat restaurant that didn't have any entrées or dishes other than sushi located inside a train station.
Jiro Dreams of Sushi PGDocumentary An esteemed sushi chef in Tokyo dedicates his life to perfecting the art of making sushi, revealing his relentless pursuit of culinary excellence. The documentary delves into his daily routines, the rigorous training of his apprentices, and his relationship with his sons who are poised to carry on his legacy.
"Once you decide on your occupation... you must immerse yourself in your work. You have to fall in love with your work. Never complain about your job. You must dedicate your life to mastering your skill. That's the secret of success... and is the key to being regarded honorably." Gelb captures the inner workings of Jiro's restaurant with palpable respect for the men who work behind the counter, taking the viewer from their seat at the front of the restaurant to where the magic happens: the kitchen. To minimize disturbance to the staff, Gelb single-handedly filmed most of the documentary, accompanied only by a translator.