Review of Ikiru (1952) by Jason J — 27 Aug 2011
One of the truly great movies ever put on cinema - a defining post-war Japanese movie alongside the likes of Tokyo Story. It features what I feel is the greatest scene in the history of cinema--the lead character dying and sitting on a swing of the park he has finally been able to get built, singing a song from his youth about how short and fragile life is.
The subtext here is we do not truly appreciate life until we are faced with death. Movies can have an impact on people but only a few can change people's lives - this is one of them. This is the kind of movie that makes people stop, feel and think.
A masterpiece that reveals itself as such in every frame its true power becomes all more daunting as one reflects about it afterward. Perhaps more than changing lives 'Ikiru' provides an emotionally charged space in which to ponder on how people, no matter how average, can make a change both in themselves and on others.
Akira Kurosawa may have been the greatest filmmaker of all time and Ikiru his greatest movie. Ikiru is a movie that can't be missed, so be sure to see it. Highly recommended.
This review of Ikiru (1952) was written by Jason J on 27 Aug 2011.
Ikiru has generally received very positive reviews.
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