Ikiru
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Actors: Takashi Shimura, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori
PlotKanji Watanabe, a middle-aged bureaucrat, has spent decades monotonously working at Tokyo City Hall. His life takes a drastic turn when he is diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, and he realizes that his remaining days are limited. Confronted by the futility of his life, Watanabe begins to search for meaning and purpose. Initially, he indulges in hedonistic pursuits but soon understands that these offer no genuine fulfillment or solace. Struggling with how to spend his final days, he encounters a young woman named Toyo, whose youthful exuberance and joy for life inspire him. This interaction profoundly impacts Watanabe, prompting him to look beyond himself and find something more impactful to accomplish.
Determined to leave a meaningful legacy, Watanabe discovers an opportunity to make a significant contribution through his work at City Hall. He commits himself to transforming a neglected cesspool in a poor neighborhood into a children’s playground, navigating through bureaucratic inertia and resistance. His dedication and newfound resolve spark changes in both his behavior and attitude towards his work and colleagues. This revitalized sense of purpose helps him to confront his mortality with dignity and grace. The transformation in Watanabe underscores the human capacity for change and the search for meaning in the face of life’s inevitable end. Through this journey, questions about existence, legacy, and the impact of one's actions on the world are poignantly explored.
Writers: Akira Kurosawa, Shinobu Hashimoto, Hideo Oguni
Release Date: 25 Mar 1956
Runtime: 143 min
Rating: Not Rated
Country: Japan
Language: Japanese, Latin, English, French
Home Video Reviews
Akira Kurosawa's 'Ikiru' receives a 4K restoration on Blu-ray, delivering the best presentation yet and supplemented with insightful documentaries and commentary, making it indispensable.
Read our review of Ikiru Blu-ray 生きる to find out more