1953, London. Mr. Williams (Bill Nighy), a supervisor at the public works department, leaves early one day to attend a doctors appointment where he is given the news that he only has six months to live. He takes what little time he has left on this Earth to contemplate his life and what living truly means. 

Living is based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1952 masterpiece Ikiru about a bureaucrat given the news that he has a terminal illness. Adapted by Kazuo Ishiguro and directed by Oliver Hermanus they have achieved the rare feat of creating a masterpiece when remaking one. 

The film just seems perfect in every way. It opens like a film from the era it is set. The credits at the front of the film appear exactly as they might on any 1950’s film and we see what appears to be archive footage of London that seamlessly becomes the setting for the film. The costumes, sets and locations have been dressed perfectly for the setting. Whilst the score is just as impressive and fitting. 

We are introduced to the bureaucratic world of public works by way of a new starter, Peter Wakeling (Alex Sharp). Allowing us the tour that he is given. Wakeling is perked up slightly by Ms. Harris (Aimee Lou Wood) who is the only one of the group who appears not to have let the grind wear her down. Meanwhile Mr. Williams oversees all in a solemn manner. 

But when Williams is given his diagnosis he takes time to contemplate his life. He spends a night on the town with a man called Sutherland (Tom Burke) before spending some time with Ms. Harris before deciding his course of action. The result could not be more poignant and elegantly stated. 

Burke, as with his role in Mank delivers a brilliant cameo, whilst Sharp and Wood are understated and impressive. However the tour de force of the entire film is Bill Nighy who gives the absolute performance of his entire career. A superlative that I am completely sure is entirely justified. His ability to speak absolute volumes in tiny facial expressions and micro movements is phenomenal. In this role he is able to speak multitudes to what it means to this man to face into his impending death. The whole thing is just wonderful. 

The reflective mood and lessons that the film imparts are the sort of thing I would love to be able to keep on my mind at all times. They are universal and the manner in which they are portrayed are exemplary. 

A wonderful film.