MrPPeeps’s review published on Letterboxd:
Week 13 of the 2024 edition of the 52 week film challenge: This week is a black and white film. All criteria you will find in my list | 52 week film challenge |
"Ikiru" is a truly beautiful, heartwarming film, with important and thought provoking messages on the meaning of life and several moments hit me pretty damn hard. Takashi Shimura is exceptional as the protagonist Kanji Watanabe, who after learning he has terminal cancer realises he has allowed life to pass him by. It's black and white aesthetic makes it visually stunning, and of course it's expertly directed by the legendary Akira Kurosawa.
I just thought it was dragged down quite a bit by all the bureaucratic scenes/elements that I just found really uninteresting and irritating. Because I felt like it often took me out of the emotional moments, and stopped me 'feeling' to the levels I wanted to or should have.
Still an excellent film that everyone needs to see, but I also believe where you are in life and your experiences so far will impact your viewing of this. So maybe my time will come.
