Ikiru (1952)

Synopsis: IKIRU ("To Live") is a compelling humanist fable that provokes audiences to profoundly contemplate their own mortality, and indeed their own sense of morality. Mr. Watanabe, a middle-aged... IKIRU ("To Live") is a compelling humanist fable that provokes audiences to profoundly contemplate their own mortality, and indeed their own sense of morality. Mr. Watanabe, a middle-aged government worker, suddenly finds that he has very little life left when diagnosed with terminal cancer. Moving from drunken despair to quiet resolve, he vows to make his final days meaningful. At first he throws himself into the city’s nightlife, but this does not help. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighborhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance. Told from both Watanabe’s perspective and that of his co-workers after Watanabe’s death, IKURU is a masterful and inspiring tale of redemption. -- © Cowboy Pictures [More]

Starring: Takashi Shimura

Starring: Takashi Shimura

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Director: Akira Kurosawa
Screenwriter: Shinobu Hashimoto
Composer: Fumio Hayasaka
Studio: Cowboy Pictures

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