Review of Ikiru (1952) by Kenny C — 04 Jun 2009

I think this is Kurosawa's masterstroke. It has the epic scale of Citizen Kane, but it's about a man we'd never hear about in our daily lives -- the fact that Kurosawa managed to take his story and cause such inspiration out of it wholly attests to his greatness as a filmmaker.

The movie itself is split into two parts -- and I love both of them. The first shows a man realizing that he's going to die and his dread of his death. He believes he hasn't yet lived. And just as he's beginning to turn his life around, we're suddenly thrust out of his shoes and thrown into his wake -- we see how one's achievements are looked at through others' eyes, and we see that even when someone sets a great example like Shimura's bureaucrat did, the lesson isn't learned on everyone.

This may not be the most accessible film of all time, but if you treat yourself to seeing it, you'll be a better person for it. There are poignant scenes in this movie: like when Shimura's character is swinging on the swing in his final moments, and he has a complete smile on his face as he sings. It's hard not to tear up, and afterwards, it's hard not to analyze your own life.

Watch this masterpiece if you get the chance -- it truly is great.