Watanabe reaps the benefits of his efforts to build a playground despite all the obstacles bureaucracy puts in his way, in his own distinct fashion. He walks to a playground where he sits on a swing and lingers while singing his favorite song. The thick snow that is falling does not seem to bother him and eventually, the fact that he died during this night is revealed.
“Ikiru” was the first film where Kurosawa decided to do his own editing and the result was magnificent, particularly in this scene, where his entire technical prowess is highlighted. Kurosawa magnificently combines the white snow, the dark night, the cold breath that comes out of Watanabe's mouth as he walks toward the swing, his later swinging, and the song that comes softly out of his mouth, “Gondola No Uta”.
The result is very touching, visually striking and provides a clear message regarding the strength of the human psyche and the value of self-sarifice, which can triumph against all odds. Takashi Shimura, who is astonishing as Watanabe in the whole film, presents the apogee of his performance in this scene.
