Ikitoshi Ikerumono
2024 / 109m - Japan
Drama
3.5*/5.0*
All Lives poster

Plot: A doctor has to tell one of his patients that he has only three more months to live, but he struggles with his task. When his superior jumps in, he decides to provide the man with some quality pastime. The two go on a little road trip together and their time together gets them to connect in ways they hadn't anticipated.

Watches

June 21, 2024

3.5*/5.0*

Hiroki's TV movie is a film that rises above its limitations but still finds itself stuck in TV land (meaning the topics and themes are quite pedestrian). The drama isn't too bad, and there are moments of genuine warmth and empathy, but it lacks Hiroki's edgy approach and raw delivery.

It's not the most original setup, and Hiroki tries to balance standard drama with more insightful moments. But as the film needs to keep a relatively light tone, it inevitably becomes borderline sentimental. The slick cinematography and decent score make sure it never crosses that line, making this a pleasant little drama. Not a standout in Hiroki's oeuvre though.