Everyone dies. I will die, and so will you. Death is normal.

Rating: 9/10 (14 February 2010)

I have been waiting on the chance to see this Oscar winner by Yôjirô Takita. Having seen the magnificent films it beat, I knew it had to be good.
Not doing well as a cellist, Daigo (Masahiro Motoki) applies for a job at what he thinks is a travel agency. He is going to be preparing the "departed" for cremating, not preparing travelers for departures.
He even hides his job from his wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue). It's no wonder, as a friend advises him to get a "proper job." Then, his wife finds out what he does, and she leaves him.
But thing turn around when the lady who runs the baths dies. His wife and "friend" see what he does, and if you don't fight back the tears, you are one cold dude.
Sometimes funny, but always respectful, the film really grabs you. The music is fantastic, and the scenery when he is away from work playing his cello is breathtaking.
Combined with Wandafuru raifu (After Life) and Ikiru, we gain a great appreciation of the Japanese attitude towards death.
This was fantastic!