Oliver Hermanus' "LIVING"
Review by Dennis D. McDonald
Holy cow, this might be the best movie I’ve seen all year! And, it’s remake of Akira Kurosawa’s IKIRU!
The story: an aging paper-pushing civil servant in a meaningless job in 1950s London finds he has 6 months to live. He decides to make his remaining days mean something. We follow his efforts via a series of flashbacks that contrast the past and the present.
If you saw the Kurosawa original you may have doubts about a remake but, trust me, this one works. A lot is due to Bill Nighy’s performance; he makes no attempt to present a “warm and fuzzy” demeanor but quietly goes about dealing with his situation in a convincing and honest manner. There is no grand angels’ chorus announcing his changed approach to life but, as in the Kurosawa version, he does accomplish something important before he shuffles off this mortal coil.
The movie is beautifully photographed, the music is perfect, and all the supporting actors are excellent. Highly recommended.
Review copyright (c) 2023 by Dennis D. McDonald