I have two movies to discuss with you today, both released in 2011 and both available on DVD.
The first is a Japanese documentary that's worth watching: Jiro Dream of Sushi.
For those of you who whine that you don't watch movies with subtitles, unless you're Melynda, get over it. Many movies with subtitles are excellent, and this is one of them.
Jiro Ono, an 85-year-old sushi master, serves sushi at his restaurant, which seats eight customers. That's right -- sushi for eight people. No appetizers, no desserts, no other entrees. Just sushi, for which he charges $300 a plate.
We get a look at the sushi preparation; Jiro's relationship with his two sons, who also make sushi; and he visits his boyhood home. Stylistically, this movie is lovely. I also like Jiro's philosophy and his comments on his work ethic, which are sprinkled throughout the film:
Jiro Ono: 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.
Thus, Jiro Dreams of Sushi earns The Janie Junebug Seal of Approval.
Now onto our "not movie" weekend, which you may have guessed means that I don't like this film. It's called Straw Dogs, and it's a remake of a 1971 film that starred Dustin Hoffman. I don't know if the first one was any good, but the second one stinks. It's lewd, crude, lurid, and violent.
And that's all I have to say about that.
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
On your recommendation I'll be sure to check out these films.
ReplyDeleteI recommend you check out the first and ignore the second. Sometimes I include terrible movies so people won't waste their time on them.
DeleteI will definitely take Jiro Ono's philosophy - the one you wrote in bold and I'll stay away from Straw Dogs.
ReplyDeleteWell done, Peaches, well done.
DeleteJanie, Janie, do I have a big favor to ask you. It seems like my lovely admin is going to place me on paid leave, so they can investigate whether I am nuts or not. Apparently the DO has found my blog, thanks to some heavy spying by some 'district employee', so I can't really say what I think about the whole thing on there. DO you think I could guest post on your blog once or twice, while I'm on vacation? That way, I could still be my lovely self without the fear of big-brother spying on me. Btw, what's the second movie about? Some beat them up, kill them kind of police movie? I like sushi but I don't know if I want to go see a movie about it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are most welcome to post here, but of course you're nuts. That's why you're fun. I'm just sorry your admin is insane. You don't have to go out to see the sushi movie; it's on DVD. Straw Dogs is about a successful couple. They move back to her hicksville hometown when they are harassed by the locals and she is gang raped. They end up protecting themselves in a very violent manner from a very violent assault.
DeleteI saw your review of JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI & I thought, how can a movie in a foreign language with no stars & no plot be interesting? I watched it on your recommendation--& I LOVED IT!! It was beautiful--Jiro is certainly a national treasure. Thank you for introducing me to him!
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely thrilled that you liked it, fishducky.
DeleteThe Japanese film sounds really interesting and I don't mind subtitles at all...sometimes I wish they'd have them standard for regular TV shows over here ;)
ReplyDeleteI watch subtitles whenever they're available on movies, and I'd like to have them on TV shows. It's not that I can't hear. The problem is that I can't understand what in the heck actors are mumbling about.
DeleteI'm glad it's not just me! The volume isn't the problem--I just have trouble sometimes separating the words!
DeleteSometimes I play lines over and over, trying to figure out what the actors are saying. But if I don't catch it the first time, I'm probably not going to understand it the tenth time.
DeleteThat Sushi one sounds pretty good. I actually like movies with subtitles, because I either get to test my knowledge of the language, or learn a new language!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great attitude, Sherry.
DeleteThat first movie does sound interesting I don't mind subtitles in fact I often have subtitles on while watching stuff.......
ReplyDeleteSubtitles are great. I don't understand people who won't watch movies with subtitles.
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added I receive 4 emails with the same comment. Is there a means you are able to remove me from that service?
Thanks!
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Perhaps this is karma. People who send annoying anonymous comments deserve what they get.
DeleteI already had the sushi one in my streaming queue. Moved it up to the top. I have the original Straw Dogs in my DVD queue. I never saw it years ago and wondered how I missed a Hoffman film. I won't see the remake. Most remakes aren't any good anyways, to be honest.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend! :)
I agree, and I hope you enjoy your weekend. I read on IMDB that Dustin Hoffman hates Straw Dogs -- the version he was in.
DeleteWow what did you say $300/- for sushi? Ok I need to get hold of this to see whether there is gold in it. Lol
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If it has gold, then you know where to send my finder's fee.
DeleteI'd just like to find the time for a movie... subtitles or not. Lately, I can't find the time for anything I want to do.
ReplyDeleteSadly, the only one I have planned is for Oldest's birthday in 2 weeks and that is "Wreck It Ralph", a lovely cartoon animation about what happens when video games collide.
If you need me, Tony and I will be in the back row making out and hogging the popcorn, completely obvious to the 10 12 year old boys we brought with us. :)
I can't even imagine the horror of ten 12-year-old boys. That would be worse than the violence in Straw Dogs.
DeleteHi Janie .. we have a lot of films with subtitles via our film society here in Eastbourne - very good selections they are too ... the Sushi one sounds excellent ..
ReplyDeleteI didn't see Straw Dogs first time around - as I don't like violence - looks like I might miss this one too ..
Happy weekend .. cheers Hilary
Belonging to a film society is my idea of Heaven.
DeleteI'm not good at films with subtitales. I get wearied by having to keep reading them. Makes it a less than relaxing experience for me. But, hey, that's just me...
ReplyDeleteYou're right -- it's you and you are entitled to your comfort regardless of my snarky comments about people who won't watch movies with subtitles.
DeleteDear Janie, the Japanese film, as good as it sounds, will have to take a miss here in Missouri. Why? Because I'm now working on a novel about Bronze-Age Greece and I need to spend at least an hour each evening researching that period of Greek history. So no films at night, instead research and the reading of mysteries. But I'm keeping a list of those you recommend so that one of these days, I'll be on the library web site, getting myself on the list for your movies. Peace.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes with your work, Dee.
DeleteMy husband makes wonderful sushi and I'm sure he would like this film. Thanks for the recommendation. I loved the sushi master's words on loving what you do for a living and wish I had heard those words when I started out so long ago.
ReplyDeleteJiro Ono makes so many wise comments throughout the documentary. It's worth watching just to hear what he has to say.
DeleteI hate sub-titles! I can never make up my mind which is more important: what they're saying, or what they're doing. Either way, you're going to miss half of it.
ReplyDeleteAs for the newer version of Straw Dogs, it sounds like my kind of movie. Except for the language and luridness.....
Unless you speak quite a few languages, you'll miss out on some great foreign films if you don't use the subtitles. I don't think Straw Dogs is anybody's kind of movie. Yuck!
DeleteI think I will like the Japanese movie and I'll take the second movie at your words. But there is no way I can find any of them. My movie life is totally subjected to the mercy of the children and what they bring home.
ReplyDeleteOne of these days they will be grown up and you'll get to make your own choices.
Delete