Film Review: Departures (2008)

Review:

Departures is a Japanese drama directed by Yōjirō Takita and is the second film that I am reviewing that features veteran actor, Tsutomu Yamazaki, this time in a supporting capacity to Masahiro Motoki, who plays the lead character, Daigo. Daigo plays a musician living his dream in Tokyo, playing the cello in a respectable orchestra, but the dream turns to ash when said orchestra is disbanded out of the blue, leaving Daigo unemployed and deep in debt due to the cost of his instrument. Filled with disbelief and sadness, Daigo finds breaking the news to his wife a difficult task, as he feels a certain degree of shame that the promise of a particular lifestyle from a career in music has now been taken away. But his supportive wife, who happens to have a job that can be done anywhere, is nothing but supportive of these new developments, and together the couple decide to move from the expensive, lavish environment that is Tokyo, back to Daigo's hometown, where they take up residence in a house that he inherited from his mother.

Daigo instantly jumps into the classifieds, looking for new employment opportunities. He comes across a curious advertisement for a job in Departures. Thinking at first that this must have something to do with tourism, Daigo applies and eventually heads off to an interview. He goes on to meet Ikuei Sasaki, an older gentleman who clears up the mystery of what the job entails by informing Daigo the advertisement was a misprint, and that they are not looking for someone to work in departures, but rather to work with the recently departed. To his shock, Daigo learns that the job consists of preparing the bodies of the recently deceased for burial or cremation, and that his title will be that of apprentice to the more experienced manager. Sensing uncertainty, the manager provides good pay and encourages Daigo to give the job a chance.

Given the negative connotations around this kind of work, Daigo feels ashamed to disclose the nature of it to his wife, as he still feels a great deal of dejection as to what he was in Tokyo to where he finds himself presently. But this all starts to change when he gets actively involved in all that the job entails. What he goes onto find is that the act of preparing the dead for their final place of rest is far from the shameful, macabre affair that society would paint it as, but is instead an amazingly elegant, respectful and even poetic craft that requires no small degree of patience, finesse and skill. Daigo, along with the family of the loved one being prepared, are captivated by the poise and care taken in preparing the body by Sasaki, as he cleans, clothes and applies all of the fineries necessary to ensure a memorable and dignified send off. Daigo takes to the job like a fish to water, his background in music providing the virtues required for just such a job, as he carries out his routine in the same way that a musician would play a classical piece, with great discipline, concentration and elegance, moving through his routine with a mesmerizing rhythmic grace.

The theme of death is one that is used affectively in the film, and Takita has done a superb job of playing with it from various angles that work to dispel its negative aura. Its a film that looks to give hope, that shows that death is a natural part of life, and indeed necessary for life, in the same way that mud is necessary for the growth of a plant. While Diago's dream of becoming a world renowned musician died, it gave birth to a new opportunity for personal growth, and while the death of a loved one is difficult, Daigo and Sasaki are given the opportunity to share in something deeply personal with the grieving family and provide a lasting image of a life well lived and full of memory. Of course Daigo's musical ability adds to a beautiful score that underpins the light tone carried through the film, and it hits home with real and relatable relationships between a cast of stunning performers.

Departures is definitely a film to make a point of watching as far as Japanese cinema is concerned. It is as inspiring as it is moving, promising its viewers that bad times will not last , but will rather lead to new opportunities if we leave ourselves open to them. I cannot help but be reminded of the film Patch Adams, starring the late great Robin Williams, in that it too gave us a new perspective on death, and that it is possible, even desirable to treat it with respect, understanding and even with some humour. A very touching and well executed film that comes highly recommended, I wish you all happy viewing :).

Watch the Film Here: Departures

Score: AAA

Out of 10: 9