Who is the Audience for This Movie?

People who like movies that deal with facing death.

What I Liked About This Movie

I realize that the synopsis and audience blurb may not attract many people to view this movie but in a few words I think they sums up Ikuru perfectly. The director Akira Kurosawa crafted a visually impressive movie that made me feel more sympathy for the main character then I ever have for any movie, book, or television character. Ikurus direction is only half of the reason I cared for the character so much Takashi Shimura the actor who portrays the dying man physically looks like the saddest person I have ever seen and his subtle acting along with his facial emoting ensure a connection with you immediately.

What elevates Ikuru above being a typical “pity for the main character” movie is the numerous themes that are intertwined in Wantanabe’s fulfilling journey. The issues of job complacency, living a life of extravagance, family relationships, and love are all explored. There is so much going on and Ikuru is not a straight forward structure movie so it’s a lot to take in by the time you make it to the fantastic dénouement you are left with a lot to think about.

What Didn’t Work For Me

It actually took me a few attempts to watch the whole movie numerous times I stopped watching after 20 minutes thinking it wasn’t going anywhere interesting. I am glad I stuck with it though.

Should You Watch This Movie?

Watching Ikuru takes patience it does take its time to make its point but the payoff is cinematic bliss. If you are a serious movie fan you will be blown away by this movie.

My Rating (Out of 13)