IkiruPG

Directed by Akira Kurosawa | Japan | 1952 | 2h 23m | Japanese w/ English subtitles | Starring Takashi Shimura, Miki Odagiri, Nobuo Kaneko, Shin'ichi Himori, Haruo Tanaka

The mundane life of a middle-aged bureaucrat is turned upside down when he discovers that he has a terminal illness. After reflecting on the meaning of his life, he becomes obsessed with pursuing the construction of a children’s playground in a nearby neglected neighbourhood. One of the greatest achievements by master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, Ikiru is celebrated for its deep exploration of existential themes and its compassionate portrayal of one man’s quest for meaning in the face of mortality.

Our screening on Sunday 15th October will be introduced by Tom Jowett, Head of Programming, The Ultimate Picture Palace.

Classic Season: 1950s Japan

Reviews

‘Such is the delicacy of Kurosawa’s direction, and the discreet power of Takashi Shimura’s central performance, that you will be moved to tears.’
★★★★★
Adrian Turner, Radio Times

‘The narrative is carefully paced, the central performance magnificent, the final effect overwhelming in a manner that recalls the great Russian writers Kurosawa admired.’
Philip French, The Observer

Sorry - you missed it!

We showed Ikiru between October 15, 2023 and October 16, 2023.

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What else is on?

Today (Saturday 16th May)
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15:15

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

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18:00

The Duke of Burgundy 18
+ Q&A w/ Peter Strickland
1h 44m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
Lovers Cynthia and Evelyn sustain a ritualised relationship shaped by control and desire. As tensions surface, a hypnotic drama explores shifting power and intimacy through striking visuals and a haunting atmosphere. Plus a post-screening Q&A with director Peter Strickland.

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21:00

Pillion 18
1h 47m
Director's Cuts: Peter Strickland
A quiet traffic warden life radically shifts when a domineering biker draws him into an unexpected BDSM relationship. Harry Lighton’s fearless BAFTA-nominated debut blends comedy, kink, and tenderness, starring Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård.

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Tomorrow (Sunday 17th May)
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11:00

Robin Hood U
Kino Kids Cinema Club
1h 23m
Kino Kids Cinema Club
Clever fox Robin Hood steals from the greedy Prince John to aid Nottingham’s oppressed creatures. With allies Little John and friends, he battles corruption and outsmarts his enemies, blending adventure, humour, and heart in this woodland retelling of the legend.

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16:45

Rose of Nevada 15
1h 54m
When a long-lost fishing boat returns to a Cornish village, hope rises for renewal. Nick and newcomer Liam join a voyage, but return transformed and caught in a haunting time loop. Shot on grainy 16mm, Mark Jenkin (Bait) delivers a haunting, mind-bending folktale.

Book here

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19:30

The North 15
2h 13m | Dutch w/ English subtitles
Reuniting after a decade, friends Chris and Lluis undertake a 600km hike across the Scottish Highlands. Shot in sequence, their journey along remote trails becomes a powerful study of friendship and the emotional terrain between reconciliation and self-discovery.

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Plan your visit

Our beautiful art deco inspired auditorium can be found just off East Oxford's Cowley Road.We are open 7 days a week. We open the cinema and box office 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of each film, and the Box Office then closes 10 minutes after the film starts. We only show a few adverts – less than most cinemas – and we only play a couple of trailers, so please don’t be late as the film itself starts very close to the advertised time!

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