Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Ikiru (生きる), directed by Akira Kurosawa, is a Japanese drama film that explores the themes of mortality, purpose, and the search for meaning in life. The story follows Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat who, after being diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, sets out to find meaning in his remaining days.
The Story Unfolds
The Diagnosis
Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura) is a middle-aged city bureaucrat who has spent 30 years doing monotonous, unimportant work. His life takes a drastic turn when he is diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer and given only a few months to live. Overwhelmed by the news, Watanabe begins to reflect on his life, realizing that he has wasted much of it.
The Search for Meaning
Desperate to find meaning in his remaining days, Watanabe initially turns to hedonistic pleasures. He spends a night in Tokyo’s entertainment district, guided by a novelist who introduces him to the city’s nightlife. Despite his attempts to find joy, he remains unfulfilled and further realizes the emptiness of such pursuits.
The Climax and Resolution
The Transformation
Watanabe meets Toyo Odagiri (Miki Odagiri), a young, lively woman who used to work in his office. Inspired by her zest for life, he seeks to understand her secret to happiness. She tells him that she finds joy in making things, specifically toys. Inspired by this, Watanabe decides to use his position to make a lasting impact.
The Park Project
Watanabe finds purpose in transforming a cesspool into a children’s playground, facing bureaucratic obstacles and corruption to see the project through. His determination and single-mindedness eventually succeed, and the playground is completed just before his death.
The Conclusion
The Wake and Reflection
The final third of the film takes place during Watanabe’s wake, attended by his colleagues and family. Through flashbacks and discussions among the attendees, it becomes clear that Watanabe’s efforts were initially met with skepticism and resistance. However, his persistence won over even the most cynical bureaucrats, leading to the completion of the park.
Legacy and Impact
The attendees, inspired by Watanabe’s transformation and dedication, vow to bring similar changes in their work. However, as time passes, their resolve fades, and they revert to their old ways, highlighting the challenge of sustaining meaningful change within rigid systems.
Movie Ending
The film ends on a poignant note, with Watanabe’s legacy symbolized by the children playing in the park he helped create. His life, though short, found profound meaning in his final act of selflessness and determination.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Ikiru.
Type of Movie
Ikiru is a drama that combines elements of existentialism and social commentary to explore the human condition and the search for purpose.
Cast
- Takashi Shimura as Kanji Watanabe
- Miki Odagiri as Toyo Odagiri
- Nobuo Kaneko as Mitsuo Watanabe, Kanji’s son
- Kyoko Seki as Kazue Watanabe, Mitsuo’s wife
- Haruo Tanaka as Subordinate Clerk Saito
Film Music and Composer
The film’s score was composed by Fumio Hayasaka, whose music enhances the emotional depth and contemplative nature of the film.
Filming Locations
Ikiru was filmed on location in Tokyo, Japan, with specific scenes shot in actual municipal offices and parks to add to the film’s realism.
Awards and Nominations
Ikiru received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Kinema Junpo Awards: Won Best Film, Best Actor (Takashi Shimura), and Best Director (Akira Kurosawa).
- Mainichi Film Concours: Won Best Actor (Takashi Shimura) and Best Sound Recording.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Takashi Shimura’s portrayal of Watanabe is widely acclaimed and considered one of the finest performances of his career.
- Kurosawa was inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s novella The Death of Ivan Ilyich, which similarly explores themes of mortality and the search for meaning.
- The film’s realistic depiction of bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption was groundbreaking at the time.
Inspirations and References
Ikiru draws inspiration from Tolstoy’s The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Kurosawa’s own observations of Japanese society. The film’s existential themes are reflective of the broader human condition.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut closely follows Kurosawa’s vision, though some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions, providing further context and character development.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While there are no direct novelizations, the film has been analyzed in various books and essays exploring its themes and impact. Kurosawa’s screenplay is also available in published form.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Watanabe’s diagnosis and initial reaction.
- His night out in Tokyo’s entertainment district.
- The interactions with Toyo and the subsequent inspiration.
- The transformation of the cesspool into a park.
- The wake and the flashbacks revealing Watanabe’s journey.
Iconic Quotes
- “I can’t afford to hate people. I don’t have that kind of time.” – Kanji Watanabe
- “How tragic that man can never realize how beautiful life is until he is face to face with death.” – Kanji Watanabe
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The film’s title, Ikiru, means “to live” in Japanese, emphasizing the central theme of finding purpose in life.
- The contrast between Watanabe’s lifeless office environment and the vibrant park symbolizes the impact of meaningful work.
Trivia
- The film’s budget was relatively modest, yet it achieved critical acclaim and is considered one of Kurosawa’s masterpieces.
- Ikiru is frequently listed among the greatest films of all time and has influenced numerous directors and films.
Why Watch?
Ikiru is a profound and moving film that offers a deep exploration of life, death, and the search for meaning. Its powerful performances, particularly by Takashi Shimura, and Kurosawa’s masterful direction make it a timeless classic.
Director’s Other Movies
Akira Kurosawa also directed:
- Rashomon (1950)
- Seven Samurai (1954)
- Throne of Blood (1957)
- Yojimbo (1961)
- Ran (1985)
Recommended Films for Fans
- The Death of Ivan Ilyich (1984, TV Movie)
- Tokyo Story (1953)
- A Man for All Seasons (1966)
- Wild Strawberries (1957)
- Schindler’s List (1993)
