Living certainly boasts an impressive pedigree. It is written by Booker and Nobel prize winner Kazuo Ishiguro and based on a beloved film, Ikiru, from the great Akira Kurosawa. It also stars the peerless Bill Nighy as Mr Williams, a civil servant in 1950’s London. Despite having been married and having a son, he has lead a humdrum existence. As he describes it, being “neither happy nor unhappy”. But when he is diagnosed with cancer and given a six months to live, he discovers a new zest for life, and a new purpose.
Based on the synopsis, you might expect Living to be horribly contrived and sentimental. Fortunately, we are in safe hands with Ishiguro. Despite the Japanese source material, he manages to capture a distinct style of English fortitude and understatement that I found deeply moving. In that respect, it brought back memories of The Remains of the Day, that was based on his most celebrated novel. Director Oliver Hermanus superbly captures the time-period, with even the opening credits being reminiscent of British films of the era.
Nighy is utterly perfect as Mr Williams, showing his change in attitude in small ways, rather than by making grand gestures. Alex Sharp as a newcomer to Mr Williams’ team at work and Aimee Lou Wood as a former co-worker who he befriends are also excellent. Also adding to the poignant atmosphere is a tender piano based score from Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch.
A pure delight.
Rating: 9 out of 10