On July 1, I visited a local art film house to see the import movie that won the Oscar for the Best Foreign Language film. My affinity for all things Japanese is well known and I was drawn to the movie like a moth to a flame.
The movie house had the dimensions of the the old gay porn movie theaters of the 80s. A central aisle with 18 rows of seats. A bank of three seats to the left and a bank of nine seats to the right. The screen was about 12 feet high and 25 feet wide, i.e., a very small screen. The experience was interesting and enjoyable because there wasn't any loud talking, no cell phone use, no text messaging, and no one was loudly smacking their lips on their popcorn or slurping their drinks.
The premise of the movie was about renewal and redemption--two famous themes in Japanese films. The story follows a cellist who loses his orchestra job in Tokyo. He must return to his small town with wife in hand. Once in town, he answers an advertisement for a job regarding "Departures." Thinking that he was going to be a travel agent, he winds up learning the trade of "casketing."
While the topic might seem morose, the movies examines the pathos, joy, acceptance and forgiveness associated with the death of a loved one. The acting is superb. The cinematography is beautiful. I especially enjoyed seeing Mt. Fuji in difference seasons--especially during Cherry Blossom bloom. The Japanese take some liberties in filming that American audiences might find strange or unexplainable but for Japanese mentalities, they are part and parcel of the experience. Finally, if you love classical music, the sound track is a must. For me, the soundtrack added so much to the enjoyment of the whole movie and did so seamlessly.
This is definitely a picture worth seeing. I am glad that I got to see it on the "big" screen and will probably watch it again when it comes out on Netflix.
I rate this movie zero watches:
Caveat: Japanese with English subtitles.
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