Ikiru

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.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Ikiru yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Ikiru (1956)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Ikiru (1956). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The narrative unfolds in post-war Japan, a period marked by bureaucratic inefficiency yet characterized by societal demands for modernization and community welfare. This era saw the struggle of citizens against systemic obstacles as they aimed to reclaim their environment and invest in their future.

Location

Kuroe, Japan

Kuroe is a bustling Japanese city that reflects the challenges of bureaucracy and the aspirations of its community. Known for its dilapidated infrastructure and environmental neglect, it becomes a focal point for citizens seeking improvement for their living conditions, particularly through the desire to create safe recreational spaces for children.

🏙️ City 🌳 Park

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Main Characters – Ikiru (1956)

Meet the key characters of Ikiru (1956), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura)

Kanji Watanabe is a high-ranking bureaucrat who discovers the importance of life and legacy when faced with terminal illness. Initially consumed by work and insignificance, he transforms into a man of action, striving to make a meaningful impact in his community through the establishment of a park.

👔 Bureaucrat 🌱 Determined

Mitsuo Watanabe (Nobuo Kaneko)

Mitsuo is Kanji's son, depicted as more focused on inheritance rather than genuine familial bonds. His character encapsulates the generational conflict that arises when issues of wealth and legacy overshadow the need for emotional connections.

👨‍👦 Son 💰 Inheritance

Toyo Odagiri (Miki Odagiri)

Toyo is the sole female staff member in Kanji's office, representing the struggles faced within a male-dominated bureaucracy. Her uplifting spirit and creative pursuits become a catalyst for Kanji's transformation, reminding both him and the audience of the importance of joy and passion in life.

👩‍💼 Employee 🎨 Creative

Sakai (Haruo Tanaka)

Sakai is a coworker who navigates the bureaucratic maze alongside Kanji. His character reflects the common struggle of employees to find purpose and support while dealing with the burdens of a cumbersome system, highlighting the importance of camaraderie in overcoming obstacles.

👨‍💼 Colleague 🤝 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Major Themes – Ikiru (1956)

Explore the central themes of Ikiru (1956), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌟 Legacy

The concept of legacy plays a crucial role in 'Ikiru,' as the protagonist, Kanji Watanabe, grapples with his impending death. His journey illustrates the transformative power of striving to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others, showcasing how one individual's effort can bring joy and hope to a community.

⚖️ Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy serves as a significant barrier in the film, highlighting the frustrating and often dehumanizing processes that individuals must navigate. Kanji's struggle against this system emphasizes the impact of red tape on personal and communal well-being, making the audience reflect on the need for empathy and reform in public systems.

🕊️ Redemption

Redemption emerges as a key theme as Kanji seeks to reshape his life before it's too late. His efforts to help the Kuroe Women's Association signify a profound shift from mere existence to living with purpose, showcasing that it is never too late to make amends and find fulfillment.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:35

Unlock the Full Story of Ikiru

Don't stop at just watching — explore Ikiru in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Ikiru is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Ikiru Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Ikiru, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Ikiru Summary

Ikiru Timeline

Track the full timeline of Ikiru with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Ikiru Timeline

More About Ikiru

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Ikiru: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Ikiru

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.