Movie Review: Departures (2008)

"Departures" is a 2008 Japanese drama and winner of the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009.  The movie centers on Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist in a Tokyo orchestra.  When the orchestra disbands, Daigo and his wife Mika move to Daigo's hometown and into the house his mother left him after her recent death.  Daigo begins to confront his feelings of guilt over not taking better care of his mother, who raised him alone after his father ran off, and his anger at his absent father.  Daigo finds a job ad for someone to "assist with departures" and eagerly applies.  To his surprise the job is preparing the dead for burial in ceremonial fashion in front of the deceased's family/friends.  Though he is originally reluctant, Daigo begins to see the value in the job and the joy he can bring to the grieving family.  His wife and friends, however, see the job as beneath him and insist he quit. 

Very beautifully done and moving, this movie is a treat.  You do have to use the subtitles but really the acting especially by Masahiro Motoki in the lead role conveys the message well.  The movie has moments of real beauty and emotion but there's some comic relief there too from Daigo's new friends in the "departure" business.  I think the movie really speaks to the ceremony and rituals that we go through dealing with death and how Daigo finds value in providing them.  Just a beautiful film from start to finish and a real treat to watch in any language.  Rent this one!  Solid A.