IKIRU directed by Akira Kurosawa. A film review.

 

An incredible masterpiece on a par with Kubrick.

This work contains many elements of profound humanity that are rarely found today. It distils the decline of humanity, of human emotional qualities and compassion. A transition from the heart to spectacle in this day and age.

The work gains a lot from its incredible austerity: depth through black and white shots and a fixation on the human face that reflects emotions to the extreme.

The shot is also often from above, the face bent downwards, lingering on the trembling lips or expressive sad eyes full of tears. A masterful performance by the main character, Takashi Shimurawa, who carries almost the entire film as the mummified civil servant, bureaucrat Kanji Watanabe. The performance is sometimes very expressive in exaggeration, as is sometimes the case (for children) in old films, but this does not detract from the film footage, but rather enhances the expressiveness.

It is an image of loneliness, incomprehension, transience, a search for meaning in the face of death. It also shows the inefficiency and lethality of bureaucracy.

Also striking is the performance of the office girl, full of energy and ease, who saves herself by coming up with mocking nicknames for her colleagues: her boss: the mummy. Her performance bursts with spontaneity, vitality and laughter.

Another remarkable character is the vagabond-like companion in the final days, an angular, shady yet sincere figure with knowledge of what is available in the world.

The supple dancer's magnificent dance is enchanting.

A tribute to what a woman means to some men.

The young woman who makes rabbits to please others, to connect with the community in this way, to mean something, is also remarkable.

At the funeral, there is also spectacle among his colleagues who excel at washing their hands of their responsibilities.

Remarkable is the police officer who feels he fell short: doing nothing is deadly.

The pride and strength of the individual and personal achievement are recognised and honoured here. A break with the environment and traditional ties. Stepping out of the frame. 

Even death alone on a swing,  in the snow on the completed school playground,  is tragically unique.

Due to its torment, this work has something in common with the characters  of Dostoyevsky. It also appears to refer to Tolstoy's 1886 story  : The Death of Ivan Ilyich.

 Kurosawa's brother was addicted to Dostoyevsky and Maxim Gorky.

©️ Gabriëlla Cleuren