I recently had the chance to see "Departures," a film that tackles the complicated topic of death in a thoughtful and poignant way.
The movie tells the story of a young, out-of-work cellist in rural Japan who takes a job preparing bodies for burial. He finds himself remarkably good at it, despite the social stigma of the profession.
We follow the man, Daigo, as he learns from his mentor how to clean, wrap, and apply makeup to the bodies with utmost tenderness and respect. His work brings comfort to many of the mourners who are kneeling nearby, watching their loved one undergo this traditional ritual. According to one review, Daigo perfects the art of "Nokanshi, acting as a gentle gatekeeper between life and death, between the departed and the family of the departed."
Although "Departures" has cinematic flaws -- it's a bit long and predictable -- it is definitely worth seeing, in my opinion. The movie drives home the point that death is a part of life, and that there is beauty and dignity in the process of saying goodbye.
You can see a trailer and some clips here.
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