The art style is amazing, and I can see why it won the Oscar. Visually, it’s a treat, and the whole vibe is really unique.
The story had its moments, and some definitely hit, especially when the cat and the bird were ascending. Seeing the bird fully ascend, symbolizing its death, was a pretty emotional moment. The film really nails that balance between survival, companionship, and letting go.
Overall, a good watch with some strong moments,
This one is right up there with Oldboy when it comes to Korean cinema. Bong Joon-ho rarely misses, and this is easily one of his best. The crimes are heavy and disturbing, and knowing it’s based on a true story makes it even more unsettling.
But what surprised me was the humor. The detectives start off as goofy and unpolished, bringing unexpected laughs despite the dark subject matter. It never feels out of place, though, in my opinion it just makes the emotional gut punches hit even harder as the story unfolds.
The vibes in this movie are unreal. The soundtrack, the atmosphere, the neon-drenched dystopian future, personally I love these vibes. Visually and stylistically, Blade Runner is top-tier.
That said, the story itself felt a bit weak. It had its moments but it didn’t grip me as much as the world and aesthetic did. Still, as a pure vibe experience, it’s an absolute classic.
Ikiru is a movie that truly hits the heart. I laughed, I cried, and by the end, I was completely moved. Watanabe’s journey is so real and emotional that it’s impossible not to feel for him.
The scene where he sings "Gondola no Uta" had me sobbing, it’s simple but incredibly powerful. And the way everything comes together at the end, with some stunning shots, is outstanding, especially for a film from the 50s.
More than just a movie, Ikiru is a reminder of what it means to truly live. A masterpiece.
