Jiro Dreams of Sushi

Japanese, English subtitles

81 minutes, 2011

5 Stars

This is a documentary about a Japanese National Treasure, then 85-year-old Jiro Ono, sushi chef. It is also about his sons and apprentices, but mostly it is about life and how this man has chosen to live it. I found it thoroughly engaging, and enjoyed watching how the sushi was made, and eaten. I suppose if you are squeamish about such things as food in the raw, literally, you might not appreciate this, but as an aficionado of good sushi (though I've never paid $300.00 for a meal of it, and doubt I will in this lifetime) I found it delightful. I enjoyed the trip Jiro made to his hometown, the visit with his school chums, and his dilemma over what to talk about at the school that invited him. Well made, beautiful.

Trailer

Temple Grandin, my Heroine! (and her Family;-)

Temple Grandin

English

2010, 120 minutes

10 Stars (out of 5)

Claire Danes stars as Temple Grandin, a woman who had the great good fortune of being born to a family who not only loved her, but was intelligent enough to find their own path through her autism. Diagnosed with Infantile Schizophrenia at age four, the doctor told her Harvard educated mother to institutionalize her. Mama and the family believed she was 'different, not less.' Because of their love, and determination, Temple received a marvelous education in the field of her choice (Animal Husbandry) eventually earning a PhD, she learned at a bone-marrow level she was different, not less, and faced challenges few of us ever will. She learned to walk through doors of opportunities and is an inspiration to all. Many good laughs in this Biographical HBO Movie. For more information on Temple Grandin, click here for her website.

Click here for a trailer.