Mr Zombie. 4 / 5
Directed by Oliver Hermanus.
A veteran civil servant expertly pushes paperwork around a government office only to reckon with his existence when he’s diagnosed with a fatal illness.
Releases in UK Cinemas: November 4th 2022
I am quite ashamed that I've never seen Akira Kurosawa's Ikiru (a mistake I will soon correct) but that gap in my cinematic knowledge made watching Living extra special. This heartening film celebrates the finer things in life making for a reflective experience that leaves the cinema with you.
Bill Nighy precise and proper manner is more than capable of both sides of the character's growth from strict authority to charming endearment as his outlook on life suddenly shifts and Aimee Lou Wood encapsulates the innocence and freedom that Nighy longs for and their relationship is one of the film's highlights. They bounce off each other with elation and even the supporting performances from Alex Sharp and Tom Burke play minor but integral parts in this transformative journey.
Oliver Hermanus' direction transports you back to the mid 1900's with tight framing and sublime production design. All of this comes together in a final product that really surprised me with lasting feelings of warmth, delight, and a reminder of what it's like to be alive.
Written by Jack Aling Read his latest reviews at: letterboxd.com/TheJackAling
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