Ikiru

Year: 1956

Runtime: 143 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Drama

After receiving a terminal cancer diagnosis, Mr. Watanabe struggles to find meaning in his remaining time. Initially consumed by despair, he is inspired by a colleague's generosity and resolves to dedicate himself to a meaningful project. He channels his energy into building a much-needed playground for local children, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles and personal grief along the way. Through this endeavor, Watanabe finds purpose, connection, and ultimately, a quiet acceptance of his mortality.

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Timeline & Setting – Ikiru (1956)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Main Characters – Ikiru (1956)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Major Themes – Ikiru (1956)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

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Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about finding meaning like Ikiru

Characters confronting death seek purpose in their remaining time.Discover films similar to Ikiru where characters facing mortality embark on existential quests. If you liked the poignant search for purpose in Ikiru, you'll find other moving dramas about legacy, redemption, and the meaning of life in the face of terminal illness.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically begin with a catalyst—often a terminal diagnosis—that forces the protagonist to reevaluate their life. The narrative follows their journey from despair to action, as they overcome personal and bureaucratic obstacles to achieve a final, meaningful goal. The arc is one of spiritual awakening and quiet redemption.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared focus on existential themes, a melancholic yet hopeful tone, and a narrative centered on a character's race against time to create something good. They deliver a heavy emotional weight through quiet reflection rather than high drama.

Movies about battling bureaucracy like Ikiru

A single determined individual battles systemic inertia for a noble cause.Explore films similar to Ikiru that feature a lone protagonist challenging a bureaucratic system. If you enjoyed Watanabe's struggle to build the playground, you'll appreciate these stories about perseverance, community impact, and the triumph of humanity over red tape.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a protagonist identifying a social or community problem that is being ignored by the authorities. The central conflict is their uphill battle against paperwork, apathy, and rigid procedures. The journey is less about explosive confrontations and more about dogged determination, culminating in a small but significant victory that affirms human spirit.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a specific conflict type: individual versus system. They possess a slow, deliberate pacing that allows the weight of bureaucratic obstacles to be felt, and a tone that blends frustration with gentle optimism. The emotional core is the protagonist's unwavering commitment.

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Ikiru Summary

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Ikiru Timeline

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Ikiru Spoiler-Free Summary

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More About Ikiru

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Similar Movies to Ikiru

Discover movies like Ikiru that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.