Frequently Bought Together
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
Amazon.ca
Departures is surely the gentlest, sweetest movie about death that you will ever see. A cellist named Diago (Masahiro Motoki) comes to the rueful conclusion that he’s not talented enough to make a career as a musician; having just returned to his hometown with his wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue, Wasabi), he answers a job ad for what he thinks must be a travel agency... only to discover that company prepares bodies to be placed in coffins. Fearful of his wife’s response, he hides his new job--but as he grows to appreciate his boss (Tsutomu Yamazaki, Tampopo) and the affect that the humbling ceremony of cleaning and dressing the deceased has on their families, Diago discovers that he might have a calling. Departures won the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and it’s easy to understand why. Though it starts out quietly and even seems slight, it gradually builds in emotional power, layer by layer, until scene after scene at the end is richly moving. Particularly affecting is the performance of Kimiko Yo, the secretary of the company, who harbors a troubling secret. A few moments of overt symbolism push the movie from compassion to sentimentality--but every time Departures seems to have lost its footing, a scene follows that strikes all the right notes so deftly it resonates like a bell. A truly marvelous movie. --Bret Fetzer
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Excellent movie - great acting, terrific script, beautiful cinematography. Really worth "Best Foreign Language Film" award at the Oscars.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Countrygail
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This movie had been recommended by family and friends. Very little discussion was rendered regarding the topic of the movie so as not to unduly influence the audience. As the population throughout the world grows older, the topic was most timely - the subject of death and how the human body is prepared for its final resting spot. Very nicely done. Even my husband watch the film in its entirety without falling asleep which gives the film a higher rating. The Western culture tends to view death and the events immediately after as "taboo" subjects. This film should enlighten the western audience and perhaps remove some long standing fears about death. The only disadvantage I could speak upon is the fact this film is a Foreign Film and as such had English subtitles. Yes, I know that can be a burden but stick with it, I promise you, you will enjoy it.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Messallus
Format:DVD
This is a story about a cello player that returns to his hometown with his wife after his orchestra is dissolved. It starts off a little slow but finishes off very nicely. The subject is serious; it deals with life, death and self discovery but there are some very funny scenes here and there. There are no bad people in this movie. It's a great movie if you're interested in Japanese culture.
Want to see more reviews on this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 169 reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gorgeous music, sweet and touching subject
This film contains a surprise that I don't want to give away. The movie is stunning, gentle and emotional. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Canadian fan
5.0 out of 5 stars
The apprenticeship of a funeral director.
To fond a job? Not easy in today's Japan. This young man learns to respect not only the rituals of death but to love the soul of the dead. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Susan L. King
5.0 out of 5 stars
A truly interesting movie...
Caracters are very interesting. Very good writing. This flic has class and food for thought, especially for us westeners who throw humans out like garbage, once they have... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Pierre Hébert
5.0 out of 5 stars
Completely satisfied
This is without any doubts one of the best movies I have seen in the last 15 years! The story is quite simple, but it is incredibly well delivered while being supported by a... Read more
Published on Dec 26 2010 by Samuel Gilbert
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
