Okuribito
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Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist, dreamt of going around the world with his wife Mika. Unfortunately, the orchestra folds, so he sells his instrument, retreats to the small town he came from, lives in his late mother's house, and tries to start a new life. He answers a classified ad entitled 'Departures' thinking
… More »Daigo Kobayashi, a cellist, dreamt of going around the world with his wife Mika. Unfortunately, the orchestra folds, so he sells his instrument, retreats to the small town he came from, lives in his late mother's house, and tries to start a new life. He answers a classified ad entitled 'Departures' thinking it is for a travel agency. Daigo's actual responsibilities entail preparing the local decedents for their "casketing," a process with an elaborate ritual of preparation, cleansing, and presentation, all done with great precision, grace, and utmost respect for both the deceased and watching family members. In dire financial straits, Daigo embarks on this new (and ancient) career path. While his wife and others despise the job, Daigo takes a certain pride in his work and begins to perfect the art, acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and their families.
« LessOriginally produced as a Japanese motion picture in 2008
Credits in Japanese, English credits from occasional subtitles and the entry in the Internet Movie DataBase
In mourning -- Departures -- Harmony -- NK agent -- Minatoza Theater -- Casketing procedure -- Tsurunoyu public bath -- Trial -- Favorite lipstick -- Drink -- Acting job -- Child's instrument -- We'll meet again -- Stone letter -- Personal belongings -- End credits
Special features: Trailer (2 min.); Interview with director Yôjirô Takita (12 min.)
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Add a Commentmaybe the best movie i ever saw...
densco47 is absolutely right - this is an Ugly Cry movie for sure. A very lovely, gentle movie. The delicate and reverential way the main character carries out his job wins everyone over in the end, and why wouldn't it? Funny moments sprinkled throughout for levity - especially enjoyed the scene on the bus and the ensuing scene at the public baths.... Loved the story of the stone letters. So much to ponder and enjoy of this movie long after it's over.
An absolutely stunning film. Funny and sad, touching and provocative. A must-see if you need an antidote to the violence and depravity of most films today.
The acting and main storyline are very nice. It was a really good and enjoyable movie that hit all the right notes.
A touching movie about life and death from a uniquely Japanese prespective. Very deserving of its Oscar.
There are movies that bring a few tears to the eye and then there are those rare movies that make you cry the Ugly cry. I call those the Handy Wipe movies. This one is a multiple Handy Wipe movie. Get your popcorn, cola and Handy wipes ready, then lock the door.
An interesting view into Japanese funeral services, Departures is both dramatic and morbidly comical. Charmingly told, this story demonstrates the complexities of fulfilling a need that every community requires yet few wish to be associated with―including one’s own family.
Almost 5 stars -- if that rock hadn't reappeared at the end and if it wasn't so damned long. Otherwise, very Salingeresque..
Wonderful performance, story, pacing, characters. This film draws you right in.
Sleek schmaltz film about multiple reconciliations that would have been 5 stars had it been about 20 minutes shorter. The subject matter of Japanese funerary preparation was very interesting. An Oscar winner.