Ikiru
"Ikiru" is a 1952 Japanese drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. The film tells the story of Kanji Watanabe, a middle-aged government bureaucrat who discovers that he has terminal stomach cancer.
About
The film tells the story of Kanji Watanabe, a middle-aged government bureaucrat who discovers that he has terminal stomach cancer. Realizing that he has wasted his life in meaningless routine, he embarks on a journey to find meaning and purpose in his remaining time. Through the film's two-part narrative structure, we witness Watanabe's transformation as he takes on a project to help build a park and realizes the importance of making a difference in the lives of others. "Ikiru" is considered one of Kurosawa's masterpieces and has received critical acclaim for its profound exploration of existential themes, bureaucracy, and the human condition. It is often praised for its emotional depth, powerful performances, and thought-provoking portrayal of mortality.