Review of Ikiru (1952) by Zack M — 15 May 2011

I'm not even sure where to begin to review this deeply moving piece of art. I can't describe to you the story without revealing parts that you really should discover for yourself. You take this journey with this man which seems so familiar, and yet I know very few who can say that they have been where he was. It is the main themes of the story which really make it relatable. They are themes that we don't necessarily like to think about but I would argue, and I think Kurosawa would argue, that we should. They are issues which are too large to push under the rug. If you want to get out from under the weight of them then you have to face them head on. That is the most vivid portrait of what this film is about that I dare to give to those who have not seen it.

As a whole, you cannot deny the magnitude of what this film brings to the table. You have Kurosawa's brilliant camerawork, one of the most moving carpe diem stories ever told, and acting that is truly remarkable. It is one the most deserving masterpieces I've ever seen.