Movie Review: Okuribito (Departures)

Won Academy Award for Best Foreign Film in 2009. IMDb Rating: 8.1. Rotten Tomatoes: 81%

Okuribito (Departures) is a Japanese movie about life and death. It revolves around the life of a cello player who loses job when his orchestra is disbanded and finds employment in a firm as an encoffiner (one who prepares a body for cremation). Undertakers hire the firm to ceremonially wash and dress the deceased, in front of the gathered family and other mourners.

The story shows the relationship of the protagonist (Daigo) with his wife, new employer, and his father. Daigo avoids telling about the nature of job to his wife who is repulsed when she comes to know the truth. Disgusted, she leaves him when he refuses to quit. She returns when she finds out about her pregnancy while still being hopeful about changing her husband’s mind. 

The rituals and traditions involved in Japanese death rites are depicted in intricate details and the topic of death has been dealt with kindness and subtle emotions.  As in India or anywhere else, the job of an undertaker is looked down upon. The movie shows the profession in a good light and makes us realize its importance. With time, the protagonist who earlier accepted the work only because of his dire conditions finds purpose and starts taking pride in his work.  He is moved by the gratitude of the mourning relatives who gather to watch him perform the last rites for their loved one. Ryoko Hirosue's (Daigo's wife) transition from being ashamed about his husband’s profession to accepting it with dignity is captured beautifully.

There are a number of subplots in the movie which eventually connect to the main theme. They are incorporated so seamlessly that one hardly deviates from the main narrative. It’s difficult not to like the characters with whom we can easily relate in some way or the other.  

It scores high on screenplay and the sentimental cello music which contribute to the success of the movie. Emotions are captured beautifully and nowhere does the acting appear melodramatic.  This is why the movie is so beautiful.

Earlier I used to think that only Bollywood is crappy, but over a period of time, I have come to realize that even Hollywood is not far behind in doling out formula-driven and soulless cinema. Movies from other countries provide a refreshing change. Okuribito is one such piece of art.