Departures

Oscar-winning film about life, death and coming to terms with both.

The surprise winner of last year’s foreign language Oscar, Departures is a gentle, warmly moving film about death, life and the rituals surrounding both.

Desperate for work, failed classical musician Daigo answers a job advert for ‘departures’. Not, as he thinks, a travel agency, he instead finds himself in the business of ‘encoffinment’, or the ceremonial preparation of the dead for burial.

Gradually finding a new purpose and a new life in this disagreeable business, Daigo begins to appreciate the rituals that help the living and the dead find peace

In turns funny, profound and moving, Departures tackles its difficult subject with dignity, humour and profound compassion.