Directed by Akira Kurosawa • 1952 • Japan
Considered by some to be Akira Kurosawa's greatest achievement, Ikiru presents the director at his most compassionate, affirming life through an exploration of a man's death. Takashi Shimura portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat with stomach cancer forced to strip the veneer off his existence and find meaning in his final days. Told in two parts, Ikiru offers Watanabe's quest in the present, and then through a series of flashbacks. The result is a multifaceted look at a life through a prism of perspectives, resulting in a full portrait of a man who lacked understanding from others in life.
Directed by Akira Kurosawa • 1952 • Japan
Considered by some to be Akira Kurosawa's greatest achievement, Ikiru presents the director at his most compassionate, affirming life through an exploration of a man's death. Takashi Shimura portrays Kanji Watanabe, an aging bureaucrat with stomach cance...
Recorded in 2003, this audio commentary features Stephen Prince, author of The Warrior’s Camera: The Cinema of Akira Kurosawa.
Produced by Kurosawa Production Inc. in 2000, this is an in-depth look at director Akira Kurosawa’s process, featuring interviews with the director.
