Living: English adaptation of the Japanese drama “Ikiru” starring Bill Nighy as an aging civil servant in post-war London searching for greater meaning in his existence.
Plot and background
Inexperienced civil servant Williams (Bill Nighy) feels like nothing more than a powerless cog in the gears of bureaucracy in post-war London. While the city is still busy rebuilding in the early 1950s, Williams is beaten down by the mountains of files at his work and the loneliness at home. His life has long seemed empty and meaningless. But when the civil servant receives a harrowing medical diagnosis, he is compelled to once again do everything he can to find fulfilment in life before it is too late.
Together with decadent local Sutherland (Tom Burke), Mr Williams first tests hedonism at a luxurious seaside resort, but is unconvinced by the lifestyle. On his return to town, he is inspired by the authentic drive of young Margaret (Aimee Lou Wood). She used to work for him as an employee, but now dreams of standing on her own two feet. So one evening Williams has a simple yet profound revelation. With the support of idealist Peter (Alex Sharp), a new addition to his department, Mr Williams sets about creating a legacy for the next generation.
The official trailer for the film promises a moving adventure of searching for meaning:
“Living – Once Really Living” – background, cast, cinema release
With the British drama “Living”, director Oliver Hermanus (“The Endless River”) brings a new interpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s “Ikiru” from 1952 to the big screen. The screenplay for the film was written by the well-known Japanese-British author Kazuo Ishiguro, who is known among other things for his novels “Never Let Me Go” (German: “Alles, was wir geben müssen”) and “Was vom Tage übrig bleibt”.
The touching drama shines with a renowned cast. Bill Nighy (“All a Matter of Time”) impresses in the leading role of the resigned civil servant Mr Williams. His outstanding performance earned the British actor a nomination for Best Leading Actor at the 95th Academy Awards 2023. Tom Burke (“The Souvenir”), Aimee Lou Wood (“Sex Education”) and Alex Sharp (“The Trial Of The Chicago 7”) were in front of the camera in other roles.
From 11 May 2023, “Living”, a moving, hopeful drama, will be released in German cinemas.
