A stunning tour-de-force

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2015)

A subtle, evocative story about a former cellist who takes on a new job arranging the bodies of the dead for cremation, DEPARTURES is a truly exceptional film. There haven't been many films made about 'death', per se - apart from endless horror flicks of course - but this one tackles the subject in a mature and moving way, quickly establishing itself as a favourite of mine.
The excellent Masahiro Motoki grounds the film with his captivating turn as a man who takes up a new career despite his inhibitions and soon finds himself in many unfamiliar situations. Some of the material is played for black comedy, but the story gradually becomes more involved and it builds up to a truly tragic and breathtaking climax, while all the while remaining subtle and slow-paced. No mean feat, that.
Yojiro Takita's expert direction and a cast giving plenty of assured performances help to make this a unique and compelling film and one that's guaranteed to make anyone who sees it shed a tear, particularly if they've experienced the death of a loved one. Not an easy film to watch then, but one that proves endlessly rewarding for those who are prepared to watch it.