The Director's Series: Akira Kurosawa, No. 1


Throughout 2025 I'm turning my focus to Directors. They help craft the vision on screen that makes a movie work. This year I'm looking at five favorite films from 18 directors I admire and 10 films directed by different women that I have enjoyed. Join me Fridays and Saturdays throughout 2025 as we take this journey.

Ikuru (1952)
Starring: Takashi Shimura
Director: Akira Kurosawa
About: When trying to pick the best Kurosawa film, it can be a challenge. So many of his films are great and made such a lasting impact? So, why Ikuru? It wasn't the first film I saw, in fact it wasn't even the first version of the story I saw. I saw the British film Living in 2022, and it moved me deeply. Then I saw Kurosawa's original version. It's so beautiful. I love the performance from Shimura and the arc of the story. It's beautifully crafted and such a powerful narrative that it stuck with me long after I finished the film. When I think of Kurosawa, I think of so many beautiful films. But this one stands out to me above the rest.

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