January 2004 DVD of the Month: Ikiru

Morticia · 02-17-2004, 05:57 PM

SilentBob had an idea...to take the winners of the DVD of the Month (from Software) and discuss them here. Why not give that a try? Here goes...

This is a thread to discuss the technical and/or thematic merits of "Ikiru", the winner of January 2004 DVD of the Month. We're discussing the films just as if it were a nominated film -- ie, film technique, cinematography, music, use of color, themes, yadda yadda.

The purpose being to foster intelligent discussion of films without resorting to "It's a piece of crap." or "It's the greatest film ever." (And so that we all can gain a bit of a film education from everyone.)

We'll discuss a new film each week. Either slade or I will post the film in this forum in advance, and lock the topic until the first day of discussion.

Thanks everyone. We are open to any ideas about running this forum.

****SPOILER WARNING**** of course this entire thread is going to be full of spoilers.

Notoriousaurus · 02-19-2004, 06:16 AM

Hmmm, everyone voted but no one wants to talk about it

I was hoping for some input too cause I haven't picked it up yet.

aedavela · 02-20-2004, 11:29 PM

I finally got it today. I'll watch it sometime this weekend and chime in with my reactions.

aedavela · 02-23-2004, 03:13 AM

Finally got to see it this afternoon.

WOW

Excellent performance by Takashi Shimura. Toshiro Mifune gets a lot of credit for his performances in Kurosawa's flicks, but I've never heard Shimura mentioned as prominently. His portrayal on Watanabe ranks right up there with anything Mifune has done. I couldn't believe this was the same guy who played the leader of the Seven Samurai. Quite moving stuff.

I haven't explored the extras on the DVD, but it looks like the most in-depth Kurosawa film Criterion has put out so far. Too bad The Hidden Fortress didn't get such deluxe treatment.

02-17-2004, 05:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Morticia Administrator Emeritus Film Class Goddess Part-Time PRN Princess Panty Thief Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Devil's Point. Burn baby burn!	January 2004 DVD of the Month: Ikiru SilentBob had an idea...to take the winners of the DVD of the Month (from Software) and discuss them here. Why not give that a try? Here goes... This is a thread to discuss the technical and/or thematic merits of "Ikiru", the winner of January 2004 DVD of the Month. We're discussing the films just as if it were a nominated film -- ie, film technique, cinematography, music, use of color, themes, yadda yadda. The purpose being to foster intelligent discussion of films without resorting to "It's a piece of crap." or "It's the greatest film ever." (And so that we all can gain a bit of a film education from everyone.) We'll discuss a new film each week. Either slade or I will post the film in this forum in advance, and lock the topic until the first day of discussion. Thanks everyone. We are open to any ideas about running this forum. **SPOILER WARNING** of course this entire thread is going to be full of spoilers. __________________ Nope, you really haven't lived until you've fed a naked Fire Dancer a S'more...cooked from her own flaming baton. I reject your reality and substitute my own! "Freeze dried moles. Price as marked." -- Nixon, Suicide Girl

02-19-2004, 06:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
Notoriousaurus Rezident Non-Black MetroSexual Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mesa, AZ	Hmmm, everyone voted but no one wants to talk about it I was hoping for some input too cause I haven't picked it up yet. __________________ DVDFile Mascot \| A Metrosexual DVD Collection! \| STAY IN SCHOOL KIDS! "I sure hope she doesn't have a penis because that would just ruin it for me." - Damian

02-20-2004, 11:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
aedavela Color Me Surprised! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Buffalo, NY	I finally got it today. I'll watch it sometime this weekend and chime in with my reactions. __________________ "Pussy? Well who taught you judo?" My DVD Collection My Top 20 Movies Guzzlefish Last DVD(s) Acquired: Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut; Ronin SE

02-23-2004, 03:13 AM	#4 (permalink)
aedavela Color Me Surprised! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Buffalo, NY	Finally got to see it this afternoon. WOW Excellent performance by Takashi Shimura. Toshiro Mifune gets a lot of credit for his performances in Kurosawa's flicks, but I've never heard Shimura mentioned as prominently. His portrayal on Watanabe ranks right up there with anything Mifune has done. I couldn't believe this was the same guy who played the leader of the Seven Samurai. Quite moving stuff. I haven't explored the extras on the DVD, but it looks like the most in-depth Kurosawa film Criterion has put out so far. Too bad The Hidden Fortress didn't get such deluxe treatment. __________________ "Pussy? Well who taught you judo?" My DVD Collection My Top 20 Movies Guzzlefish Last DVD(s) Acquired: Kingdom of Heaven Director's Cut; Ronin SE

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode