Ikiru, whose Japanese title literally means "To Live," is one of the lesser known Akira Kurosawa films out there amongst general movie fans - at least, it is compared to the likes of Seven Samurai, Rashomon and The Hidden Fortress, which have achieved far greater status in the west. Granted, its premise - one which focuses on a dying man who must come to terms with his own mortality - isn't as inherently appealing, but that's not the point. Here's a powerful, reflective motion picture that brilliantly emphasises the beautiful nature of both life and death. What could have been a sad and depressing film actually comes over as exactly the opposite, though, as our titular character looks to find meaning in life during his final days in Tokyo. The whole thing is gorgeously shot by Kurosawa, and is considered to be something of an early masterpiece for the iconic director. Don't miss it.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
