Akira Kurosawa: Every Movie Ranked Worst To Best

Madadayo was Akira Kurosawa's final film, and it acts as a perfect swan song for a filmmaker who had spent his entire career pondering the harsh realities and tender mercies of everyday life.

The story of real life writer and teacher Hyakken Uchida (Tatsuo Matsumura), the darkly comedic drama takes place just before the Second World War, as Uchida slips into his final years and finds solace by the side of his students.

A contemplative, gentle film that you can't help but watch without thinking Kurosawa was aware this was his last hurrah, Madadayo's simple tale is elevated by the director's wisdom, reminding audiences that although life may be hard, the beauty within it is worth the torment we all must face.