Ikiru (1952) ****1/4

Japanese with English subtitles; directed by Akira Kurosawa

Kanji Watanabe is "section chief" in a department of City Hall. He spends his days (years, decades) reviewing forms and stamping them with approval. He learns that he is dying of stomach cancer and is overwhelmed with regret at how he has spent his life, having accomplished nothing worthwhile.

The premise of the movie sounds pretty dismal, yet in the end it is touching and thought provoking. I liked this movie, but I think Kurosawa could have gotten the story told using at least 30 minutes less time.