Akira Kurosawa’s 「生きる」is a cinematic gem that delves deep into the human experience, focusing on themes of mortality, purpose, and the meaning of life. Released in 1952, the film tells the poignant story of Kanji Watanabe, a lifelong bureaucrat who discovers he has terminal cancer and embarks on a journey to find meaning before his time runs out.
Kurosawa masterfully brings to life Japanese government bureaucracy in a visceral way, however the focus is often how unfulfilling the work is, how useless it is in achieving anything, and how it tends to infect and destroy everyone else who comes into contact with it. Even Watanabe’s own coworkers make promises to do better following his eventual death, but almost immediately return to their old ways once back in the office.
In this post, we’ll explore ten famous quotes from the film, analysing their grammar, vocabulary, and significance in the context of the story.
Overview of 生きる
Set in post-war Japan, 生きる is a reflection on the monotony of bureaucratic life and the struggle to find significance in life, even in the face of impending death.
Watanabe’s monotonous, bureaucratic position in the Tokyo public works department has seen him unfulfilled for thirty years but his retirement looms. His family situation doesn’t leave much to look forward to as his wife is already dead, and his son, Mitsuo, is uninterested in his father and only has eyes for his father’s estate and lifetime pension.
Watanabe is one of the most common surnames in Japan, often ranking in the top ten most common surnames:
However, upon learning of his diagnosis, Watanabe’s transformation from a passive office worker to a man determined to leave a lasting legacy ripples through not only the rest of his own short time remaining, but also has real world effects (although not with the soulless coworkers).
This bravery and determination resonates with viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their own lives. The film’s deep philosophical undercurrents, combined with Kurosawa’s masterful direction, make 生きる a timeless classic.
This film touches on an aspect of my own life that I try and keep at the forefront of my mind. That our time is short, you don’t get a do-over, and so you should try and make something of yourself and impact the world around you, hopefully in a positive way.
A scene which encapsulates this determination to see that change happens is when Watanabe’s proposal gets turned down and he is dismissed as the boss goes back to talking about a banquet he attended the previous night. Watanabe merely stands at the desk and eventually interrupts their discussion to ask them to reconsider the denial, an absolute affront to the hierarchy present in these organisations.
The underlying issue of a red light district and the involvement of criminal elements also sees Watanabe physically threatened and intimidated, only for him to continue on in with his task.
The usage of a wake by Kurosawa to help explain the surrounding character’s understanding of Watanabe’s actions helps one become a fly on the wall as we follow Watanabe’s mission. We switch between the present, the conversations at the wake, versus the actions of Watanabe as they unfold.
Quote 1: “生きる” – “To live”
Grammar and Vocabulary: The word “生きる” (ikiru) is a verb meaning “to live.” It encapsulates the film’s central theme, urging viewers to contemplate what it truly means to live.
Significance: This simple yet profound expression sets the tone for Watanabe’s journey. It’s a call to action, prompting the audience to examine their own lives and the choices they make.
I’ve got a whole beginner playlist on YouTube that talks about verbs if you want to learn more about this:
Quote 2: “私は死にたくない” – “I don’t want to die”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “私” means “I.”
- “死にたくない” is using the verb “死ぬ” with the negative たい form to make don’t want to die.
Significance: This quote highlights Watanabe’s initial fear of death. His reluctance to accept his fate drives him to seek meaning, illustrating the universal human instinct to cling to life.
Quote 3: “無駄な生活” – “A wasted life”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “無駄” means “waste” or “futility.”
- “生活” translates to “life” or “living.”
Significance: Watanabe’s acknowledgment of his previous existence as a “wasted life” serves as a catalyst for his transformation. This quote resonates with anyone who has felt unfulfilled, urging them to seek purpose. 生活’s first kanji is the 生きる kanji we saw earlier.
Quote 4: “私には夢がある” – “I have a dream”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “夢” means “dream.”
- “ある” indicates existence.
Significance: This line marks a turning point for Watanabe. By expressing his desire for a dream, he embraces hope and motivation. It reflects the idea that dreams give life meaning and direction.
He also has spent a lot of time daydreaming to get through his boring days at work, and also his mind starts to race when thinking about possibilities that he never even considered until his impending death.
Quote 5: “人間は死ぬまで生きている” – “A person lives until they die”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “人間” means “human being.”
- “死ぬまで” means “until death.”
- “生きている” is the continuous form of “to live.”
Significance: This quote emphasises the importance of living fully. It suggests that one’s actions and impact extend beyond mere existence, urging viewers to make the most of their time.
This also brings to the fore the dilemma facing Watanabe; he can choose to throw in the towel and do nothing, but until he is actually dead he feels he has a duty to do something meaningful. Besides, what is the worst that could happen? He gets blacklisted from future employment? He doesn’t care anymore about putting his head above the parapet.
Quote 6: “子供たちのために” – “For the sake of the children”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “子供たち” means “children.”
- “ために” translates to “for the sake of.”
Significance: Watanabe’s focus on leaving a legacy for future generations showcases the theme of altruism. This quote underscores the notion that true fulfillment comes from contributing to others’ lives.
Ironically enough, Watanabe’s own son cares about him so little that when Watanabe tries to tell him that he is dying, the son is too preoccupied with something to pay any attention and so Watanabe loses his nerve to actually break the news.
Quote 7: “私は何をすればいいのか” – “What should I do?”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “何” means “what.”
- “すれば” is the conditional form of “する” (to do).
- “いいのか” expresses inquiry.
Significance: This moment of self-reflection highlights Watanabe’s existential crisis. It captures the uncertainty many face when seeking meaning, illustrating the struggle to find direction.
Watanabe is also facing a type of Kafkaesque hell with so many departments with different jurisdictions, all completely uninterested in actually helping the citizens who pay their salaries. He doesn’t know where to start to do something as simple as drain some wastewater in order to get a playground useable again despite having over 3 decades in the job.
Quote 8: “私の仕事は…” – “My job is…”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “私の” means “my.”
- “仕事” translates to “job” or “work.”
Significance: This quote reflects Watanabe’s previous identity as a bureaucrat. It serves as a reminder of how societal roles can often overshadow personal aspirations, prompting a reevaluation of one’s priorities.
It also points to him realising what his actual job is now, it is not being a paper pusher but instead something more.
Quote 9: “幸せが見つからない” – “I can’t find happiness”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “幸せ” means “happiness.”
- “見つからない” is the negative form of “見つかる” (to be found).
Significance: This expression encapsulates Watanabe’s internal struggle. His quest for happiness reflects a universal desire, resonating with viewers who grapple with their own definitions of fulfillment.
Quote 10: “私が変わる” – “I will change”
Grammar and Vocabulary:
- “私が” (watashi ga) indicates “I” as the subject.
- “変わる” (kawaru) means “to change.”
Significance: This declaration marks Watanabe’s commitment to transformation. It embodies the film’s core message: it’s never too late to change one’s life and pursue a meaningful existence.
There is something a little deeper here in the grammar, as we have a difference between かわる vs かえる, with Watanabe realising that he will change as a result of what he will do, rather than him actually changing himself. I go over this topic when dealing with transitive and intransitive verbs:
Conclusion
生きる is not just a film about death; it’s a profound exploration of life, purpose, and legacy. Each quote serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human existence, urging viewers to reflect on their own lives and choices. Through Watanabe’s journey, Kurosawa encourages us to live fully, embrace our dreams, and make a difference in the lives of others, and to do it now, while you still can.
As you delve into 生きる, consider these quotes and the lessons they impart. What does it mean for you to truly live? How can you find purpose in your own life? Let this film inspire you to seek meaning, even in the simplest moments or even if you can barely move the needle. Try and move it anyway.
