Good movie, better music, lousy audience

Rating: 9/10 (10 March 2009)

The bad first. I don't understand the Singaporean movie goers, are they all out to torture those who wants to enjoy the experience? Giggling girls, loud 40+ year old commentators, blinding active mobile screens, mobile ringing the "Jive" (3x), and people talking loudly outside the "plex" door. Are we still in the 70s? Can't be you all have got your cellphones. So please you paid for a ticket so did I and the rest of the audience. I would call these people inconsiderate, rude, insensitive and uncaring.
The most memorable thing about the movie is no doubt the music. The pieces played are appropriately placed, soothing and calm with a touch of melancholy were needed. One of the best scores out of a movie, I reckon.
The pace of the movie is kept fairly even throughout the film. However there is never a dull moment. The story is, in some places, mildly humorous but you'll not get anymore than a big grin out of it. You do have to remember you are watching a movie about a traditional Japanese funeral ritual. It underlines the taboo nature of the professional and how a rural community reacts to people like them.
This movie gave me a how new respect to this traditions. I am not one who adhere to traditions and much less rituals.
I will not dwell on the plots and story, so you can go into the cinema and enjoy this very well made movie.
If you are those that can't turn off your precious cellphones, can't stop talking "quietly" while the film is running, and/or if you cannot appreciate another culture's ritual and tradition, please spare the people who can and not go and watch this. Also if you are around the age of 15-22 and are very sexually active, also please stay out.