It's a beautifully made film (on a budget) for sure but I found this remake of Kurosawa's Ikiru frustratingly inert. I am English and proudly somewhat reserved (until I've had a few drinks, thus living up to our other stereotype), but many of the characters in this are practically dead. Scenes drag a on too long, mostly because the characters don't converse properly, and while the poetry of it all held my attention I couldn't help but feel slightly agitated at the molasses pace.
Bill Nighy brings his usual charm, although naturally subdued as with the rest of it. There's a brief, almost-fun showing from the ever reliable Tom Burke. And as I said, it is handsomely well shot so not a waste of anyone's time, just don't go in expecting big things - and that I say with classic British understatement.
For the record, the original is probably my least favourite Kurosawa film, so you can take from that what you will.
Bill Nighy brings his usual charm, although naturally subdued as with the rest of it. There's a brief, almost-fun showing from the ever reliable Tom Burke. And as I said, it is handsomely well shot so not a waste of anyone's time, just don't go in expecting big things - and that I say with classic British understatement.
For the record, the original is probably my least favourite Kurosawa film, so you can take from that what you will.