Departures (DVD) (UK Version)

Product Description

Winner of Best Foreign Language Film at the 81st Academy Awards, Departures takes a sensitive look at life through the rituals of death. Directed by Takita Yojiro ( When the Last Sword is Drawn), Departures (a.k.a. Okuribito) follows the experiences of a young undertaker as he grows into his work. Backdropped by an elegant score from master composer Hisaishi Joe, Departures presents a simple, yet poignant study of how one man comes to terms with his unconventional profession, & how the customs of death affect & reflect the course of life. At times humorous & at times heartbreaking, the film approaches its topic with respect & realism, revealing a fascinating aspect of Japanese culture rarely seen on screen. Leading man Motoki Masahiro ( Gemini) anchors the film with a magnificent, understated performance. Co-starring popular actress Hirosue Ryoko ( Bubble Fiction: Boom or Bust) & veteran Yamazaki Tsutomu, Departures swept 10 awards at the 32nd Japan Academy Awards including Best Picture, Director, Screenplay, Actor, Supporting Actor, & Supporting Actress.

Out of work with nowhere to go, cellist Kobayashi Daigo (Motoki Masahiro) & his wife (Hirosue Ryoko) leave Tokyo & move back to his sleepy hometown. Daigo answers a help-wanted ad for what he thinks is a travel agency, but turns out to be an encoffinment agency. Taking the job anyway, he begins a new life as an encoffinment specialist under grisly owner