Conventional wisdom says it's a bad idea to remake a classic. Fortunately, "Living" ignored that wisdom.
Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru" is listed 72nd on Sight and Sound's 2022 director's poll of the 100 best movies and a rewatch confirms it has lost none of its luster. Check out the 1952 original, by all means, but don't overlook the tender British remake, "Living." It's especially worthwhile to catch the lead performance of Bill Nighy, who's likely to be a best actor contender when Oscar nominations are announced Jan. 24.
Nighy, beloved as the aging rocker in "Love Actually," plays Mr. Williams in the 1950s-set drama. He's a mystery to his young co-workers, who have various theories about what makes him tick, but we quickly realize they can't figure out who he is because he hasn't figured it out himself. Only when Williams' doctor gives him months to live does he conclude that he must make the most of his limited time. And he can't wait to get started.
