Erik Shirai’s The Birth of Sake is an engrossing introduction to the traditional cultivation of the rice-based alcohol that is part of Japan’s cultural heritage. . . . his shots of sky, sea and early morning landscapes could fit amid Hokusai woodcuts.
— Daniel M. Gold, The New York Times
Gorgeous portrait of life inside the close-knit Tedorigawa brewery quickly casts its spell.
— Eric Kohn, IndieWire
A contemplative portrait. . . . Both atmospheric and informative, Shirai’s film looks for the small changes that define a vocation rooted in tradition.
— Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out New York
A lushly shot look at an endangered tradition.
— John DeFore, The Hollywood Reporter