Watch おくりびと (2008) Movie
Daigo, a cellist, is laid off from his orchestra and moves with his wife back to his small hometown where the living is cheaper. Thinking he’s applying for a job at a travel agency he finds he’s being interviewed for work with departures of a more permanent nature – as an undertaker’s assistant.
The gift of last memories. - dying and death
## The Echo of Loss: Ritual and Connection in "Departures"
Yojiro Takita's "Departures" (Okuribito) is far more than just a film about a man who prepares bodies for cremation. It's a profound exploration of life, death, societal taboos, and the enduring human need for connection in the face of loss. While the film follows Daigo Kobayashi, a failed cellist, as he reluctantly takes on the mortician's role, its true strength lies in its delicate unveiling of the beauty and dignity hidden within the rituals surrounding death.
**(Spoiler Alert: This article discusses key plot points of "Departures")**
The initial shock and revulsion Daigo experiences upon witnessing his boss, Mr. Sasaki, perform the *nokanshi* ceremony are palpable. The raw humanity of the process, the meticulous attention to detail in cleansing and preparing the body, clashes violently with Daigo's preconceived notions of death as something unclean and frightening. He hides his new profession from his wife, Mika, fearing her reaction and the societal stigma attached to handling the deceased.
But "Departures" masterfully demonstrates how Daigo's perspective gradually transforms. He witnesses firsthand the profound impact his work has on grieving families. The *nokanshi* ceremony becomes a carefully choreographed act of compassion, a final expression of love and respect for the departed. He helps families say goodbye in a way that brings comfort and closure, transforming the stark reality of death into a beautiful and dignified farewell.
One of the film's most powerful scenes illustrates this transformation. Daigo prepares the body of a young woman, carefully applying makeup and dressing her in her favorite clothes. He witnesses the quiet grief of her family, the raw emotion etched on their faces. Through his gentle and respectful handling of her body, he allows them to remember her in life, to celebrate her beauty, and to say goodbye with a sense of peace.
The film also touches upon the profound disconnect modern society often has with death. The anonymity and clinical detachment often associated with funeral services are contrasted with the intimate and personal touch of the *nokanshi* ceremony. Daigo's work becomes a rebellion against this detachment, a reclaiming of the human element in a process that has become increasingly sanitized.
The climax of "Departures" revolves around the death of Daigo's estranged father. Years of resentment and unanswered questions have created a deep rift between them. Yet, through the act of preparing his father's body, Daigo confronts his own grief, forgives his father's past shortcomings, and finally finds a sense of closure. He discovers a smooth stone clutched in his father's hand, a symbol of the father-son connection that endured despite years of separation. This scene underscores the film's central theme: that even in death, the bonds of love and family can remain unbroken.
"Departures" is not merely a film about death; it's a celebration of life. It's about finding beauty in the unexpected, overcoming societal prejudice, and rediscovering the importance of human connection. It's a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is dignity, beauty, and the possibility of healing. The film's lingering echo resonates long after the credits roll, prompting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with death and the preciousness of life. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that death is not an ending, but a transition, a departure that deserves to be honored with respect, compassion, and love. It's a powerful reminder to cherish the moments we have with loved ones and to find beauty even in the face of sorrow.
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