description Ikiru Overview

Akira Kurosawas 'Ikiru' (To Live) is a heartbreaking and life-affirming story about a bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer. Realizing he has wasted his life in a meaningless job, he decides to spend his final days creating something of lasting value. It is a powerful meditation on mortality, bureaucracy, and the search for purpose. Takashi Shimuras performance is one of the greatest in cinema history, conveying a lifetime of regret and eventual redemption.

It is a film that forces the viewer to confront their own life choices and the legacy they wish to leave behind.

recommend Best for: Ideal for cinephiles and those interested in Japanese cinema or films dealing with existential themes.

info Ikiru Specifications

balance Ikiru Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros
  • check Groundbreaking narrative exploring existential themes
  • check Exceptional performances by Toshiro Mifune and other cast members
  • check Subtle and nuanced direction by Akira Kurosawa
  • check Deals with complex societal issues in a thoughtful manner
thumb_down Cons
  • close Limited runtime may feel slow to some viewers
  • close Not widely available outside of film festivals or streaming services
  • close May require cultural context for full appreciation
  • close Limited English dubbing options

help Ikiru FAQ

What is 'Ikiru' about?

'Ikiru' follows a man's journey to find meaning in his final days after learning he has terminal cancer.

Who directed 'Ikiru'?

'Ikiru' was directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa.

Is 'Ikiru' available on streaming services?

'Ikiru' is not widely available on mainstream streaming platforms but can be found at film festivals or through rental services.

What is Ikiru?
Akira Kurosawas 'Ikiru' (To Live) is a heartbreaking and life-affirming story about a bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer. Realizing he has wasted his life in a meaningless job, he decides to spend his final days creating something of lasting value. It is a powerful meditation on mortality, bureaucracy, and the search for purpose. Takashi Shimuras performance is one of the greatest in cinema history, conveying a lifetime of regret and eventual redemption. It is a film that forces the viewer to confront their own life choices and the legacy they wish to leave behind.
How good is Ikiru?
Ikiru scores 8.0/10 (Very Good) on Lunoo, making it a well-rated option in the Movie category. 'Ikiru' scores 9.2/10 due to its profound exploration of existential themes, exceptional performances, and subtle direction. However, it may not appea...
What are the best alternatives to Ikiru?
See our alternatives page for Ikiru for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: 12 Angry Men (1957), The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Avengers: Endgame.
What is Ikiru best for?

Ideal for cinephiles and those interested in Japanese cinema or films dealing with existential themes.

How does Ikiru compare to 12 Angry Men (1957)?
See our detailed comparison of Ikiru vs 12 Angry Men (1957) with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.
Is Ikiru worth it in 2026?
With a score of 8.0/10, Ikiru is highly rated in Movie. See all Movie ranked.
What are the key specifications of Ikiru?
  • Runtime: 104 minutes
  • Director: Akira Kurosawa
  • Starring: Toshiro Mifune, Takashi Shimura
  • Release Year: 1952
  • Country of Origin: Japan

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