Living examines the struggles of a terminally ill man who is stuck in the daily grind of working as a civil servant.
Set in the 1950s, Williams is a workaholic who is living with his son and his wife. His life is predictable and oppressive. It is filled with bureaucratic paperwork and train trips. At home, the family has trouble confronting each other and having honest conversations.
After a visit to the doctor, William takes the day off work and skives off to the beach. He has withdrawn half of his life savings and a stranger takes him out for a night on the town.
Perhaps not the wisest move, he heads home. Here he starts up a friendly relationship with a much younger female co-worker.
Of course, the neighbours start spreading rumours. But when you have days left to live, then what they think really doesn’t matter.
The film has a couple of wonderful monologues, and he undertakes a lovely legacy project. I like the sets and scenery.
It is a remake of a Japanese film called Ikiru (1952), so some of the scenes may make more sense from an Asian cultural perspective.
The biggest weakness is the slow pace and disjointed editing.
The film has the tagline of ‘It’s never too late to start.’
Living is a reminder that our days our numbered and to make the most of each day.
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