“Departures” is an interesting Japanese film about a young man who takes work as a mortician. He has to deal with some prejudice due to societal taboos against people who work in an industry that deals with death. He realizes it is a job someone must do, and pays well, so he sticks with it as his employment options are limited.
Masahiro Motoki gives a sensitive performance in the lead role. He sets the tone for the film. Co-stars include Ryoko Hirosue as his wife, Tsutomu Yamazaki as his boss, Kimiko Yo as the secretary, and Kuzuko Yoshiyuki and Tetta Sugimoto in supporting roles.
Famed Japanese director Yojiro Takita crafted quite a gem here. He was helped out by screenwriter Kundo Koyama, who adapted the story from “Coffinman,” an autobiography by Shinmon Aoki. “Departures” won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film of 2008. It was successful at the box office for Tokyo Broadcasting System and a group of film production companies.
Departures (2008)
cinema
My Review
“Departures” is an interesting Japanese film about a young man who takes work as a mortician. He has to deal with some prejudice due to societal taboos against people who work in an industry that deals with death. He realizes it is a job someone must do, and pays well, so he sticks with it as his employment options are limited.
Masahiro Motoki gives a sensitive performance in the lead role. He sets the tone for the film. Co-stars include Ryoko Hirosue as his wife, Tsutomu Yamazaki as his boss, Kimiko Yo as the secretary, and Kuzuko Yoshiyuki and Tetta Sugimoto in supporting roles.
Famed Japanese director Yojiro Takita crafted quite a gem here. He was helped out by screenwriter Kundo Koyama, who adapted the story from “Coffinman,” an autobiography by Shinmon Aoki. “Departures” won the Academy Award for the Best Foreign Language Film of 2008. It was successful at the box office for Tokyo Broadcasting System and a group of film production companies.