Matt Tyrnauer is one of the more underrated documentary filmmakers working today. He tells the best stories with fascinating subject matters, whether about Scotty Bowers, Jane Jacobs, or the intellectuals of Bennington College (in the little-seen, unreleased The End of the World). I try to watch anything he makes, and his new movie, Nobu, a documentary that explores the life and legacy of the renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, was a breezy, engaging watch. It traces his journey from humble beginnings to building a globally acclaimed restaurant. Featuring insight into his well-known collaboration with Robert De Niro and Meir Teper, the documentary offers a relatively intimate look at how Nobu himself transformed the culinary world of fine dining.
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Nobu tells his story of hard work and determination, which he attributes to his family. Opens up to share his struggles and joys. There are numerous shots of unique and mouth-watering food, which have put him on the map. What I appreciated most about Nobu, beyond the typical celebrity documentary, was how his relationships were the focal point, rather than his success or biography. Though Nobu’s daughters sharing stories was a nice personal touch sprinkled throughout the movie, a favorite sequence was when he dropped by the Tsukiji fish market, where he had worked so hard, visiting colleagues who felt like good friends. The joy that radiated from them was infectious as they looked over the local food.
Nobu’s serving style is a presentation at the table, rather than dishing out food. (“The white plate is his canvas and he wants the food to stand out,” as someone said.) He was at the forefront of the sushi trend that revolutionized the way people ate certain types of food. At one moment, it was observed that Nobody knows the name of the emperor of Japan, but everyone knows Nobu. The pleasant moments of famous people and recognizable faces appreciating his dishes are a highlight. Still, despite the acclaim of the accomplished, it is the love of his family that is the main course of the documentary. Foodies, especially ones with a palate for International dishes, will want to feast on this one.
Nobu is playing in limited release.
