A Strong Drama About a Strong Taboo.

Rating: 8/10 (25 September 2016)

Viewed on DVD. All departments = nine (9) stars. Director Youjirou Takita leads a team of film makers who undertake a very careful, detailed, and emotionally moving depiction of the lives of undertakers (starting with initial motivations to enter the profession). The arts of the mortician as dramatized in this photo play include skillful bereavement psychology, ceremonial showmanship (there is a not-so-subtle link to live theater acting), facial makeup (again tied to acting), and "encoffinment" of bodies in caskets (with various price points). It is also shown to be a profession typically despised (death is far from a popular subject matter in Japan and elsewhere) until services are required (marked by an abrupt 180 degree flip in attitudes). Direction and acting are across-the-board exceptional and continuously address this morbid subject in an upbeat manner. Nonetheless there is a drift here and there into the maudlin due to slow-paced scenes. The overly-long production does not help matters either. Cinematography (semi-wide screen, color), lighting, and editing are excellent. Surround sound field is mostly fine. Original score (there are also some short selections from classical compositions) is also excellent with deeply resonating and haunting Leit Motifs. It is performed by a very large orchestra (which is shown in action early in the film). A highly-recommended Shochiku Company release. WILLIAM FLANIGAN, PhD.