Vivre

I had no preconceptions or expectations when I went to see this film. I left the cinema feeling deeply moved, alongside a range of emotions including sadness and joy, amidst a sense that I had just been immersed in one of the best cinematic works of art in a very long time. In the jaded world of today's cinema where nothing is really new anymore, and movies peddle the Incredible, with disappointing over the top drama, this film's simplicity was its outstanding and defining feature. Accompanied by a haunting soundtrack, it tells the very human story of a man (Nighy) who has six months left to live and how he chooses to make his mark and get satisfaction from celebrating the ordinary and achieving a modest but much loved and celebrated goal. The performances were outstanding in their subtlety (who knew Nighy had such a beautiful singing voice), and the direction by Hermanus was perfect - designed to tell a simple story and get the best from the actors without being obtrusive or distracting. The setting in 1950s London, portraying a world of grey bureaucracy mirrors today's corporate, health, and social care world's perfectly, with the final message to embrace and accept that which "doesn't quite fit" sending a humorous yet pointed message to us all.

Definitely bring the tissues - but celebrate it too as one of the best films in years.

Before watching this, I have often thought of Brief Encounter as the quintessential film on English repression.

I have to add this. And it (openly, honestly) echoes the Lean classic in other ways, including a piano classical piece alongside steam engine imagery in the first act.

And what a lead performance. I've never been blown away by Nighy before. This is incredible. Every crushing moment, every unspoken word, every flinch. I was right there with him.

The closing imagery is beyond beautiful. And stay for the credits, with a beautiful rendition of a song that features in the story (and breaks your heart).

If you ever feel untethered, purposeless, this may mean an awful lot to you. It does to me.

Cinema is a great medium for urgent storytelling because people pay attention. "Living" executes beautifully in creating an environment that is easily understood with a character that isn't over-dramatized to definitively share a message that lies at the heart of this story; purpose. Purpose in relationships, work, passion, and of course, in living life. Bill Nighy is convincingly composed and patient in expressing his emotions in the midst of a life-altering realization that never sways the authenticity of his performance. The score is strong, but not overpowering and the cinematography is simple, yet pleasingly complementary to the set design of 1950s London. In a world where excitement drives entertainment, it's the grounded nature of this story that will drive lasting reflection.

A little slow paced for my taste, but I can't deny that Bill Nighy displayed a masterclass in subtle acting. Also I found it quite interesting that he took the role after sharing a taxi ride with the screenwriter Kazuo Ishiguro who pitched him right in the spot. That's pretty confident of Nighy to accept the role after such an encounter, but yeah, what a great decision on his part. Other standouts on the performance end of things include Aimee Lou Wood and Alex Sharp. They have a bright future ahead of them and I can't wait to see what they choose next. Also shout out to the musical score which helped bolster the emotions and kept me awake.

You've lived a life within the bounds of expectation, conformed to all the codes, rules, regulations, mastered the art of the transaction, never looking for reaction, played the game to par, avoiding altercations; but the hand you've just been dealt has caused confusion, as you realise you're living an illusion, blindly going through the motions, without feelings for devotions, now it's time to make a stand, faced with conclusions.

A wonderful performance from Bill Nighy that might get you thinking about your own mortality and whether your direction of travel is taking you where you want to go. A remake of Ikiru, it also reminded me of Bergman's Wild Strawberries.