Review of Ikiru (1952) by Michelle B — 20 May 2008

A highly humanistic and sympathetic film, Ikiru endeavours to shine light on the dark recesses of a modernising world - the corporate sector. The mundanity of work and it's ability to strip us of a real sense of purpose in life is explored as a pinhole in the grander notion of our outlook of life - and death.

It seems a strange point that life is cherished most when death is given a voice. With Kurosawa's brilliantly placed camera, segregating cast members as mere pylons in their environment, and the beautiful touches of Shimura in a class defining performance, Ikiru is a film that works well.

Yet, while there are moments of tenderness and connection, it just feels as though the severity in the sombre tone of the film tends to draw back on the potential for audience connection to be taken to a peak.

I was touched, but I was never moved like I should have been.