Ikiru Blu-Ray

Ikiru begins with an X-ray image showing the protagonist's stomach and tells the story of a devoted, oppressed civil servantwho, after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, learns to change his boring, unsatisfying existence and suddenly discovers a zest for life. Watanabe, the film's hero, is first thrown into self-destruction and then into a hedonistic life of pleasure on the frenetic streets of post-war Tokyo. He is driven by a desire to give his life meaning and finally finds satisfaction by building a playground for children.

Ikiru is beautifully played by Takashi Shimura (who appeared in 21 of Kurosawa's films) and is an intensely lyrical and moving film that was one of Kurosawa's own favorites.

Extras

Restored in 4K and presented in High Definition (2-disc limited edition)

Introduction by Alex Cox (2003, 15 min)

Newly produced audio commentary by film critic Adrian Martin

Akira Kurosawa: It Is Wonderful to Create - Ikiru (2003, 42 min): created as part of the Toho Masterworks series and featuring interviews with Kurosawa, script supervisor Teruyo Nogami, screenwriter Hideo Oguni, actor Takashi Shimura, and others. It's Ours Whatever They Say (1972, 39 min): an action film about young mothers' struggle against Islington Council to build a playground for children on a derelict site. The People People (1970, 22 min): This COI film is intended for schoolchildren and shows the wide range and variety of jobs available in public administration, highlighting the ways in which civil servants help individuals, the community in general, and Parliament.

**FIRST PRINTING ONLY** Illustrated booklet with essays by Tony Rayns and James-Masaki Ryan, a review originally published in the Monthly Film Bulletin in 1959, notes on the special films, and the film's credits.