Live Today, Die Tomorrow!

Synopsis

Live Today, Die Tomorrow! (裸の十九才) is a 1970 Japanese drama directed by Kaneto Shindō, starring Daijirō Harada. The film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of a young man named Shirai, whose life is marked by hardship, alienation, and a desperate quest for meaning in post-war Japan. Through raw and evocative storytelling, the movie explores themes of youth disillusionment, societal pressures, and the struggles of the marginalized. Shirai’s journey underscores the turbulent emotions of a generation caught between tradition and modernity, delivering a poignant reflection on existential despair and the search for identity in a rapidly changing world.

Cast

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  Daijirō Harada

  Michio Yamada

• 

  Nobuko Otowa

  Take Yamada

• 

  Daigo Kusano

  Hanjiro Yamada

• Keiko Torii

  Sakie Hayashi

• 

  Kei Satō

• 

  Kiwako Taichi

Reviews

Live Today, Die Tomorrow! has garnered generally positive critiques for its stark realism and powerful performances, particularly by Daijirō Harada. On IMDb, the film holds a respectable rating of 6.9/10, indicating a solid reception among viewers who appreciate its nuanced and unvarnished portrayal of youth angst. Critics have praised director Kaneto Shindō for capturing the rawness of the protagonist’s struggles and the socio-economic backdrop with authenticity. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for this film, but individual critic reviews often note its compelling narrative and emotional depth. Some viewers have highlighted the film’s slower pace and bleak tone as challenging but necessary for its impactful storytelling. Metacritic does not list a score for this title, reflecting its status as a lesser-known classic. Overall, Live Today, Die Tomorrow! is recognized as an important work in Japanese cinema, noted for its insightful social commentary and dedicated performances, appealing especially to those interested in thought-provoking dramas from historical contexts.