Living

Living is the latest work written for the screen by Nobel and Booker Prize-winner Kazuo Ishiguro, an English-language adaptation of the 1952 Akira Kurosawa classic Ikiru.

Set in 1950s London, the film follows Williams, a veteran civil servant buried in paperwork as the city rebuilds after WWII. A life-threatening medical diagnosis prompts him to empty his savings account and head for the south coast, vowing to make his final days meaningful, only to realise he doesn’t know how. After an enigmatic stranger takes him out on the town, Williams becomes intrigued by a young co-worker who seems to possess the vitality that has previously evaded him. With the help of an optimistic new colleague, Williams turns his efforts to bringing happiness to his community in a surprising way.

Bill Nighy (Love Actually) and rising UK talent Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) star alongside Alex Sharp (The Trial of the Chicago 7) and Tom Burke (Mank) for acclaimed director Oliver Hermanus (Moffie).

The film is financed by Film4 and County Hall Arts with Stephen Woolley and Elizabeth Karlsen of Number 9 Films (Carol) producing. Rocket Science handles international sales while Lionsgate will distribute in the UK and Toho in Japan. London County Hall provides the backdrop for the film.