Author: anthony

I was lucky enough to see the Irish premiere of Zero Dark Thirty tonight in the Lighthouse Cinema (cheers Sean). It chronicles the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011.

The film follows a CIA operative, Maya, through the torture of detainees, intelligence gathering and a lead she thinks may bring them to bin Laden. It’s not easy to watch at times (scenes of waterboarding especially) but I think Katherine Bigelow has done an even handed job. The acting is spot on and the last 30 minutes will have you gripping the seat even though you know the outcome already. Definitely recommended.

I hadn’t heard much about ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’ before I was looking for cinema options this afternoon. It tells the story of 85 year-old Jiro Ono, considered by many to be the world’s greatest sushi chef. The film shows how much of his life has been dedicated to his craft and I don’t think I’ve ever watched a more focused individual. His sons are both sushi chefs and, to be honest, weren’t given a lot of option as young men. Alas, this it’s a lovely tribute to a guy who has honed his skill over 75 years. A truly amazing achievement in any line of work.