Ikiru (Japanese, DVD)

The story of a man diagnosed with stomach cancer, Kurosawa's film is a serious contemplation of the nature of existence and the question of how we find meaning in our lives.

Opening with a shot of an x-ray, showing the main character's stomach, Ikiru tells the tale of a dedicated, downtrodden civil servant who, diagnosed with a fatal cancer, learns to change his dull, unfulfilled existence, and suddenly discovers a zest for life.

Plunging first into self-pity, then a bout of hedonistic pleasure-seeking on the frenetic streets of post-war Tokyo, Watanabe - the film's hero - finally finds satisfaction through building a children's playground.

Beautifully played by Takashi Shimura (who starred in 21 of Kurosawa's films), Ikiru is an intensely lyrical and moving film, and was one of Kurosawa's own favourites.

In black & white.

General

Studio:	British Film Institute
Release date:	October 2003
Movie released:	1952
Directors:	Akira Kurosawa
Actors:	Takashi Shimura
Dimensions:	192 x 137 x 15mm (L x W x T)
Format:
Running time:	2 hours, 17 minutes
Region encoding:	Region 2. This DVD will play in all South African DVD players.
Video format:	Standard 4:3 (1.33:1)
Languages:	Japanese
Subtitles:	English
Age restriction:	12 PG
Categories:	DVD > Classics DVD > Drama DVD > Art Films DVD > Feature Film
LSN:	XFY-D6F-YLE-2
Barcode:	5035673005910

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Review This Product

A sad man finds satisfaction in the end

Mon, 11 May 2015 | Review by: Michael S.

My favourite Kurosawa, a sad and wistful story of an ordinary man who, when he discovers he is dying, tries to create meaning in his life by creating a children's playground. Gentle and observant, we learn about the man's hum-drum life, his failed attempts to enjoy his last days, and then his satisfying success in having the park created.

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