Criterion Year Week 28: Ikiru

The Criterion Collection, the last vestige of truly collectible DVD and Blu-Ray movies in existence. These are well produced, fancy pants editions of important and interesting films for the discerning film lover.

We continue our journey through Jim's collection of movies with...

Ikiru

Spine Number: 221

Director: Akira Kurosawa

Genre: Drama

When you say Akira Kurosawa to most people, if they've hear of him at all, it's because of Seven Samurai. Which is understandable. I mean... it's an unquestioned masterpiece. Beyond that, people normally still think of Samurai movies. This week, we take a break from that and look at, what was at the time, a contemporary piece.

Ikiru, translated "To Live," is the story of a mid level government bureaucrat who is faced with his own mortality. It asks, essentially, "how does a man who has refused to live face death?"

It's impossible to overstate how beautiful this movie is. From the typically brilliant cinematography to the simple and elegant story to the amazing performances... this is everything we have come to expect from Kurosawa, but with less violence and a much more evident heart.

So, enjoy our take on a truly remarkable and life affirming film.

Next Week:

Spine number 249: The Battle of Algiers

Also, check this out.

The Life Masters is now it's own show with its own site and own dedicated feed. That's right, we have two completely different shows!

Right now check it out at www.thelifemasters.podbean.com.

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http://fantasymovieleague.com/

Looks like Summer Movie League has officially become Fantasy Movie League.

It looks quite fun. Here's how it works.

You have an 8 screen theater.

Every week you pick movies and have a budget/salary cap you have to stay under.

Then you compete against other theaters in your league.

It's fantasy football for movie people.

Our league is Film Thugs 2015 and the password is Porterhouse.

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Thanks for listening, and until next week...

Jim out.