Living

A singular moment that comes riding on such a lifelike performance from Nighy that it doesn’t seem like acting at all.

The movie is a slow-burn that never accelerates but Bill Nighy’s performance makes it a compelling experience.

The film itself is like eating a rich dessert: you marvel at all the constituent parts, but when it’s over, you may have regrets. It is lush and richly textured, like the old colour footage of London that we see in the credits, but just a little pushy.

It is a little cold at first but you know, when it opens up, I cried, and I have no shame about that.

A little movie about big topics, Living takes on nothing less than life itself and features a quiet, note-perfect performance from Bill Nighy.

The quietly powerful Living defies expectations at every turn.

Its unshowy, no-frills filmmaking, including a 1.33:1 aspect ratio meant to evoke the period alongside cinematographer Jamie Ramsay's boxy framing, might put viewers off. However, surrender yourself to this quiet, contemplative piece of cinema...

Though firmly in the colossal shadows of Kurosawa, Living’s ability to uplift and stir is never compromised, flourishing in a space few remakes ever graze.

Artistic flourishes, excellent acting, and solid craftsmanship notwithstanding, Living is unlikely to displace Ikiru within the pantheon of essential viewing, but hopefully it will impart the same timeless lessons to a new generation.

Living transitions from a devastating look at wasted life into a rebirth of inspiration to make the most of the days.