Ikiru

Ikiru

Release Date

1956

Director

  • Akira Kurosawa

Cast

  • Takashi Shimura
  • Nobuo Kaneko
  • Shin'ichi Himori

A bureaucrat tries to find meaning in his life after he discovers he has terminal cancer.

    Mr. Watanabe suddenly finds that he has terminal cancer. He vows to make his final days meaningful. His attempts to communicate his anguish to his son and daughter-in-law lead only to heartbreak. Finally, inspired by an unselfish co-worker, he turns his efforts to bringing happiness to others by building a playground in a dreary slum neighborhood. When the park is finally completed, he is able to face death with peaceful acceptance

    Photo credit: Toho Company

    Past Programs

    2023

    C'Mon get happy—Kurosawa and the power of joy

    Gene Siskel Film Center, Chicago, IL