Departures
Regent Releasing | Release Date: May 29, 2009
8.0
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 64 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
55
Mixed:
3
Negative:
6
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
TerryLJun 20, 2009
This movie sucks you into the film and you become Daigo. My wife and I rate it 100% on the spot for bringing to light the importance of love, life, death, coming to our senses, forgiveness and respect for others, no matter what their This movie sucks you into the film and you become Daigo. My wife and I rate it 100% on the spot for bringing to light the importance of love, life, death, coming to our senses, forgiveness and respect for others, no matter what their persuasion. We are going back with relatives to watch it 4 more times, and can hardly wait for it to come out on DVD. The Italian film Life Is Beautiful and the Chinese film The Road Home left you with a feeling of the importance of life, relationships, family and love. Departures adds another perspective to these great films. Taken together, you come away a changed person. The film lingers in our minds and will not go away. It is so worth seeing - and multiple times.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
StanGJun 9, 2009
Though this film is about the preparation of corpses for cremation, it is in no way morbid. What it is is a touching, wonderful film that is worthy of the Best Foreign Film Oscar it received.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RichardBAug 29, 2009
Simply one of the most moving films I've seen in many years.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
medinapAug 3, 2009
Departure rightfully deserves its Academy award for best foreign language film. Even more deserving than the much touted Waltz with Bashir and The Class. This is what cinema is all about. The direction, music score, cinematography, editing, Departure rightfully deserves its Academy award for best foreign language film. Even more deserving than the much touted Waltz with Bashir and The Class. This is what cinema is all about. The direction, music score, cinematography, editing, sound, production design and of course, the acting are SUPERB. The film has a profound impact on me. The ending was unforgettable. Some of the so-called critics should stop lambasting feel good movies which promote positive values and exhibit the triumph of the human spirit. The magic of Departures is in its simplicity. It is heartfelt, mesmerizing and impeccable.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DavidAug 30, 2009
One of the best movies of the decade. It handles grief, which is an essential part of our lives, in a gentle and human way. Gradually the viewer is carried into the experience of separation and its impact on those who stay alive.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
1
PatAug 5, 2009
Well, I'm in the minority here but I agree with Dave. While the intentions were good, it just came off too manipulative and heavy-handed for my taste. I also agree that the other nominations for the foreign film Oscar were much more Well, I'm in the minority here but I agree with Dave. While the intentions were good, it just came off too manipulative and heavy-handed for my taste. I also agree that the other nominations for the foreign film Oscar were much more deserving than this. At least The Class won the Palme D'or at the Cannes Film Festival. If it weren't for the great visuals I would probably give this a zero.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EricL.May 29, 2009
Very deserving of the 2009 Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. A great film!!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RicScothernJun 23, 2009
I am biased. I lived in Japan, Yamagata no less. The portail of both the people and environment displayed in this film is both accurate as to the heart and soul of the wonderful Nihonjin people.
The simple spirituality of thier customsI am biased. I lived in Japan, Yamagata no less. The portail of both the people and environment displayed in this film is both accurate as to the heart and soul of the wonderful Nihonjin people.
The simple spirituality of thier customs and way of life is Perfectly captured within this show. I cried not only because of the spiritual nature of this film, but because they transported my heart back to Yamagata ken. Kanzen desu! Nihon to Nihonjin e kokoro kara kansha shite imasu!
Arigato Gozaimasu.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JonathanOJul 2, 2009
Beautifully acted - a powerful, sometimes funny, drama about Life and Death. Depicted in such a magnificent way that I cried several times throughout.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
3
DaveJul 25, 2009
Wow, the Academy sure missed the boat this year! Waltz with Bashir, The Class and Revanche are all light years better and FAR more deserving of the Oscar than this sappy drivel. I can only guess that there were a bunch of votes divided up Wow, the Academy sure missed the boat this year! Waltz with Bashir, The Class and Revanche are all light years better and FAR more deserving of the Oscar than this sappy drivel. I can only guess that there were a bunch of votes divided up between the other three with this sneaking in on top. Not only is this not the best foreign film, it isn't even the best Japanese film. I highly suggest Tokyo Sonata which is far superior to this.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
YihengZJul 31, 2009
I had a very general ideal of movies in 2008, full of Hollywood and Oscar taste. There are many good pieces, and a few could be written on film history. Like
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GabeJul 3, 2009
This is the first time I greatly disagree with a o Scott, I abslutely loved this film. Nothing ground breaking but makes you care that much more about humanity in all its essence, emotional and powerful in a humble way.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
IevaM.Jan 26, 2010
This is a beautiful, extremely moving picture. Baa-humbug to those who gave it a negative review.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
NeilRAug 15, 2009
I'm concerned, but not surprised, that the American press gave this monumental film mixed reviews. In a country which exalts youth and denies death, DEPARTURES must be a total drag for some viewers. I needn't tell the story, I'm concerned, but not surprised, that the American press gave this monumental film mixed reviews. In a country which exalts youth and denies death, DEPARTURES must be a total drag for some viewers. I needn't tell the story, because it is available in too many forms elsewhere. I will say that I've never seen a film from any filmmaker or culture which displays such reverence and love for the lives and deaths of common people as this extraordinarily beautiful movie. Perhaps it is the contrast between the Eastern way of death and that of our own which made such an impression on me. But on a simpler level, this film tells the story of a young man who -- having lost all identity -- recovers it in the most surprising way. He learns not only to adapt to his new occupation but to honor it. And his work -- casketing -- preparing bodies for cremation -- reveals the ultimate gestures of honor and respect for the dead. Deeply, deeply moving stuff. The venerable Joe Hisaihi has done it again. His cello-focused score is lavishly orchestrated and simply gorgeous. This is his best work since PRINCESS MONONOKE. The ensemble performances are as good as you get. There's not one false peep from the entire bunch. Any decent, intelligent filmgoer who misses this has bypassed more than a movie. The script, the imagery, the values of this great achievement will impact the sensibilities of those who see it. Our lives have more purpose than we, our acquaintances and employers suggest. We would all be better off if we could pay homage to others when they were still alive; but this wonderful work -- funny and moving in turn -- reminds us that we have another chance to do so, and that that it is redeeming and beautiful. Don't miss it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KRADSep 14, 2010
Okuribito draws the viewer in almost immediately. The subtle, hidden messages are as prevalent as the obvious messages. It teaches the significance of life, death, love, and the importance of family. The phenomenal audio makes the touchingOkuribito draws the viewer in almost immediately. The subtle, hidden messages are as prevalent as the obvious messages. It teaches the significance of life, death, love, and the importance of family. The phenomenal audio makes the touching scenes even more personal. A film worthy of our eyes and of the Oscar it received.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Andys_ReviewsJul 5, 2013
Beautifully shot with some great exteriors; the landscape take quite a big part in this film. There were some lovely comic moments as well as some quite distressing scenes as the families go through all kinds of emotions as the say goodbye toBeautifully shot with some great exteriors; the landscape take quite a big part in this film. There were some lovely comic moments as well as some quite distressing scenes as the families go through all kinds of emotions as the say goodbye to their loved ones. I’ll admit to having found it quite touching at times and even shed a tear or two for my dear departed mum. Of course music plays quite a big part in the film and there are some really touching scenes as Daigo plays his cello out in the fields. I did find, however, that the final act didn’t quite have the emotional punch I had expected. Yes, the emotions were there, but it didn’t quite hit home the way I anticipated. Even so, it’s a film I really enjoyed and one I would happily watch again someday.

SteelMonster’s verdict: RECOMMENDED

My score: 8.2/10… Expand
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10
reioviApr 19, 2011
Beautiful film, great story and an amazing lead performance. The little details are the ones that makes you to not stop watching!! A very deserving winner of the oscar!!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
schwarz_kelloggMar 11, 2012
Great music scores are what the japanese does best.
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8
Iky009Jan 3, 2014
A sensação que esse filme proporciona magicamente confortável, acompanhado de sua bela trilha sonora e personagens carismáticos. E com uma trama interessante.
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6
KolbzillaNov 30, 2016
If you can get past some of the slapstick that this movie throws in for comedic relief, it is a beautiful story of death, and gives Westerners a new view of dealing with moving on and death.
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7
Xan_RyilDec 9, 2015
A well written movie, which touches many themes most importantly dealing with death and watching others grief upon it. One side of it is very soft and touches our heart but on the other hand it is not as astonishing as we expect it to be.A well written movie, which touches many themes most importantly dealing with death and watching others grief upon it. One side of it is very soft and touches our heart but on the other hand it is not as astonishing as we expect it to be. Story and even scenes are very predictable. Ending also could be seen from minutes away from it. Director has worked hard on the interior of Coffining but failed to bring deeper sentiments onto screen. Tsutomu Yamazaki's portrayal of a Boss who teaches the protagonist is the most fabulous quality of the movie. Actor actually work the role around and inside. Masahiro Motoki and Ryōko Hirosue are very convincing although camera sometime focused on Ryōko more then it needed. Her character as a devoted wife is well however it is not explored much. Ritual of coffining are filmed very good. The sub plot of protagonist's relation with his father was good but there could have been more about it. Over all a light hearted sentimental film.… Expand
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