おくりびと/ Okuribito/ Departures (2008)

Rating:	★★★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Foreign

It's been a while since I last awarded a five-star review. Great story line, with the quirky start and good use of flashback. Cinematograpghy was just right, even though the scenes shown will be familiar to most Japanese-film watchers - the snowy road scene, sakura blossoms, taking a soak at the commons bath.

What is interesting is the way which the director deals with a taboo subject, death. Throughout the show, you get the sense of serenity and peace in which the encoffinment professional (納棺, nōkan) perform their trade. There is dignity in death, and I guess that's what differentiates us from all other creatures. Throughout the film, you see how various individuals deal with the departures of loved ones, even though they are all from different stratas. The cliche of the "death comes to us al" rings true, and the sensitivity with which the story deals with the commonality of death is immense. The soundtrack was also superbly chosen, the refrain just brings about this peaceful and calming effect.

I initially wanted to catch this show just to catch a glimpse of my old idol, Ryoko Hirosue. Sadly. she was being typecasted into eye-candy role. Oh, and her voice is still as squeakily high - grates on the ears after a while. But the main leads' acting and lines are superb.

Really, REALLY enjoyable and therapeutic.

Official Website (japanese):
http://www.okuribito.jp/

IMDB Entry:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1069238/

Wiki entry:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okuribito