Deeply moving

Rating: 9/10 (15 June 2009)

Oscar Winner for Best Foreign Language Film this year shocked many people because unless you were in the academy or in Japan you didn't see it. Having seen it I can completely understand why it won. It may not be the best Foreign Language film of the year, but it certainly one of the most touching and moving. The plot is simple, a cellist for a large orchestra suddenly finds himself with out a gig. Moving home with his wife he applies for a job that has short hours and big pay unaware that its for a firm that prepares the dead for "departure". Needing the money and liking the people he meets he takes the job, but doesn't tell his wife. The film is what happens as he tries to find his place in this new world. Stunning, charming, moving, magical, if you're like me you will be reduced to tears. I absolutely loved this film a great deal. I loved everyone. I loved how you felt the pain and joy of everyone. I loved the small details, the holes in the floor of the couples home that were put there by the young cellist, or asking for some lipstick for the deceased. Small details that make it all real. One of the most heartfelt films I've seen.