Sushi: The Global Catch (2011)

Directed by: Mark S. Hall | 75 minutes | documentary

Sushi is hot. This delicacy, in which rice and fish are transformed into an inventive whole, originated in Southeast Asia. In the 19th century it was perfected in Tokyo and the rest of the country followed. The dish is no longer an exclusive affair. The whole world is now eating sushi. But that has its consequences for nature. In Japan, consuming sushi is a real tradition. You don’t just become a sushi chef in the better restaurants. Anyone who feels called upon can expect years of training. The ingredients are therefore treated with the utmost respect. For its preparation, the bluefin tuna is essential. The creamy flesh provides the stamp of quality. This special fish is not called the Porsche of the sea for nothing.

The epic bluefin tuna trading center is located in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market. A tuna is easily sold for thousands of euros. Tons of fish also depart from this place to other countries. Potential buyers naturally demand a certain standard. Armed with a flashlight, they explore the frozen carcasses and grind chunks of meat between their hands. We see the caring approach again in the people who cut the fish. With razor-sharp swords, they chop everything into pieces carefully and alertly like samurai. This approach is in stark contrast to the rest of the globe. The sushi restaurants are a lucrative business. Be it Poles or Americans. Everyone apparently feels called to adopt this habit. Besides blaming the Japanese culture, this fact has another consequence. Overfishing is causing a drastic decline in bluefin tuna stocks. It is hallucinatory to see how colossal fishing boats with giant nets rage in the ocean.

The second part of this documentary therefore focuses on ecological extermination. It results in a lively discussion in which a certain Haagen Stehr presents himself as a savior. This German expatriate is on a mission to breed captive bluefin tuna in Australia. During an interview, he suddenly receives a message that eggs have been conceived, after which tears are shed. Is it genuine joy or a bit of overacting? The man started his career as a tuna fisherman. All in all, ‘Sushi: The Global Catch’ is a decent documentary. Just a shame that the premise shifts halfway through. It produces a two-part whole that is not completely fine-tuned.