When David Gelb was inspired by the BBC documentary Planet Earth, he envisioned his debut feature as a deep dive into the world of sushi-making, originally titled Planet Sushi. What started as a quest to capture the artistry of sushi chefs morphed into something far more profound with the discovery of a modest, 10-seat restaurant within a Tokyo train station. This revelation transformed Gelb's project into the critically acclaimed documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, a tribute to the legendary Jiro Ono and his world-renowned restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro.

Jiro Ono, at the time an 85-year-old sushi maestro, is celebrated as one of the greatest living sushi artisans. His restaurant was the first sushi establishment to earn three Michelin stars, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. Jiro Dreams of Sushi captures not only the meticulous process behind Ono's sushi but also the philosophical underpinnings of his craft, illustrating how passion and dedication transcend mere culinary excellence.

The film provides an intimate glimpse into Ono’s disciplined routine and the events that shaped him into a sushi icon. Beginning his journey at just seven years old, Ono’s relentless pursuit of perfection and his unyielding dedication to his craft are central themes of the documentary. Through Gelb’s lens, we witness Jiro’s belief that true success lies not in the outcome but in the joy found in daily labor. Ono’s philosophy is encapsulated in his own words: "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."

Jiro Dreams of Sushi goes beyond a culinary exploration to delve into the dynamics of family and tradition. The documentary introduces Jiro’s sons, Takashi and Yoshikazu, who both follow in their father's footsteps. Takashi runs his own sushi restaurant while Yoshikazu continues to work alongside Jiro at Sukiyabashi Jiro, adhering to the Japanese tradition of the eldest son inheriting the family business. The film poignantly addresses themes of familial expectations, personal dreams, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of excellence.

David Gelb's approach to filming adds a unique texture to the documentary. By capturing the everyday workings of Jiro’s restaurant with a minimal crew and employing both slow and fast camera movements, Gelb highlights the laborious process of creating each piece of sushi while allowing viewers to savor the artistry and passion infused in every detail. This method also draws parallels between sushi-making and music, using Phillip Glass’ compositions to mirror the intricate and escalating process of crafting sushi.

The film also introduces viewers to the Japanese concept of ikigai, which translates to “what makes life worth living.” Jiro Ono’s life, marked by routine and repetition, exemplifies this philosophy. Despite the seeming monotony, Ono finds immense joy and fulfillment in his work, driven by an insatiable quest for perfection. This concept gained global recognition through Héctor Garcia and Francesco Miralles’ book, Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, although the idea had been embedded in Japanese culture long before.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi is not just a documentary but a profound exploration of passion and purpose. Gelb's personal connection to Jiro’s story and philosophy imbues the film with emotional depth, making it a powerful testament to the transformative power of dedication and the pursuit of one’s passion.

Following the success of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, David Gelb went on to create Chef's Table, Netflix's first original reality series, further exploring the world of culinary artistry. Jiro Ono’s legacy, immortalized through Gelb’s film, continues to inspire and remind us that true success is found not just in achieving goals, but in the joy and fulfillment derived from the journey itself.