MDL Choice: Heisei Dramas and Movies Kobayashi Daigo is a cellist, but when his orchestra is dissolved he returns to his hometown in Yamagata prefecture with Mika, his web designer wife. He finds a classified ad for a company which provides assistance for "Departures" and goes for an interview. The company has just two people, a female clerk and the president, and the business of the company turns out to be a preparation of deceased bodies for funerals by wiping them clean and putting makeup on them. Nonetheless, Daigo joins the company as a trainee, attracted by a good salary, and gradually realizes the value of the job of an encoffinner. (Source: JFDB) Edit Translation
- English
- 中文(台灣)
- Русский
- Ελληνικά
- Native Title: おくりびと
- Also Known As: Okuribito , One Who Sends Off
- Director: Takita Yojiro
- Screenwriter: Koyama Kundo
- Genres: Life, Drama
Where to Watch Departures
Free (sub)
Cast & Credits
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![Motoki Masahiro in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Motoki Masahiro in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Motoki Masahiro Main Role -
![Hirosue Ryoko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Hirosue Ryoko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Hirosue RyokoKobayashi Mika [Daigo's wife]Support Role -
![Yamazaki Tsutomu in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Yamazaki Tsutomu in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Yamazaki TsutomuSasaki Shoei [President of NK Agency]Support Role -
![Yo Kimiko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Yo Kimiko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Yo KimikoUemura Yuriko [Employee of NK Agency]Support Role -
![Sugimoto Tetta in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Sugimoto Tetta in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Sugimoto TettaYamashita [Daigo's childhood friend and Tsuyako's son]Support Role -
![Yoshiyuki Kazuko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)]( "Yoshiyuki Kazuko in Departures Japanese Movie (2008)")
Yoshiyuki KazukoYamashita Tsuyako [Bathhouse owner]Support Role
Photos
Reviews
Death will happen, no matter what. But what is important how you treasure the presence of these people for as long as they live.
I love the way the actor showed such gentleness while embalming the dead. Every process was done so delicately and filled with respect to the deceased.
A very touching movie indeed. I cried more than twice in it.
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Acting: I really liked the acting. The initial reactions everyone had, the way people mourned. I've never seen a "nokanshi" work, but the way the actors gave life to the ritual in those scenes through the movement of their hands, and body in general, made it look like art. It was beautiful and I felt fascinated by all of it.
The way the movie closed was also touching and beautiful.
Music: The music was excellent. It created the right atmosphere by intensifying the feelings and actions the actors were portraying or by creating a calm atmosphere when needed. It never felt like it didn't belonged.
One thing you should know before starting this movie is that it's not a terribly exciting like those with lots of action sequences. It has a slow kind of pace, but it's over before you know it because of the way the story flows and the way the music helps that flow. It also has a few minor comedic scenes tossed in there. I'm sure I'll eventually re-watch it.
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