Departures (2008)

Departures (2008) http://dvd.netflix.com/Movie/Departures/70114013 Departures deserves every ray of praise and affection it has received, in addition to its Oscar recognition. The film delves into several themes related (closely or distantly) to death: loss of a chosen career, loss of future fame and status, loss of a dream, loss of self-confidence, loss of a spouse (temporarily), and esp. loss of a father. However, the film also balances the melancholy and even bitterness over these losses with the reassurance of several unlooked-for blessings and revelations. As our story begins, young newlywed Daigo loves playing the cello and has finally attained the threshold of his goals for a successful symphony career when his life's path is suddenly forced to take a different direction. He accepts his fate and finds new employment with a quirky, taciturn Japanese man whose business eventually becomes clear: Like it or not, Daigo's new job involves preparing the bodies of the dead for burial. Despite the social opprobrium of those who lack a sense of what is involved in his outwardly distasteful career, Daigo perceives and adopts his employer's utter commitment and spiritual respect for his "clients" and those assembled family and friends who attend the traditional ceremonies. Departures is a beautiful film to see with a beautiful soundtrack to behold. Daigo's life eventually comes full circle in a rush of emotional discovery and closure. Departures reminds me a bit of The Ultimate Gift, though it is more complex and resonant. See it, by all means, please; I don't see how one could regret reconnecting with life through Departures. 5 stars. (5-4-2010, posted 7-2-2016)