Departures
A failed cellist finds unexpected dignity and emotional purpose preparing the dead for their final farewell.
Overview
A poignant journey through life and death unfolds as a man discovers his true calling in an unexpected profession.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- melancholic
- witty
- sincere
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly regard it as a quiet, life-affirming human drama with strong performances, emotional depth, and an effective balance of humor and seriousness, though some find it slow and predictable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Daigo's encoffining work foregrounds the ceremonial handling of the dead and the families' need for dignity.
After losing his orchestral career, Daigo discovers purpose and recognition through mortuary work.
The film repeatedly balances comic reactions to Daigo's work with intimate scenes of death and mourning.
The story connects funerals, family bonds, and Japanese customs surrounding graves and the dead.
Films like Departures, and why
Still Walking
quiet japanese human drama balancing grief, family tensions, humor, and emotional reconciliation
After Life
tender family-centered drama using everyday rituals and mortality to explore memory and reconciliation
The Straight Story
emotionally warm drama about death, dignity, and the transformative value of compassionate work
Movie Details
- Director
- Yojiro Takita
- Release Date
- 2008-09-13
- Runtime
- 130 min
- Rating
- 7.8 / 10 (963)
Cast
- Masahiro Motoki
- Ryoko Hirosue
- Tsutomu Yamazaki
- Kimiko Yo
- Tetta Sugimoto
- Toru Minegishi
- Tatsuo Yamada
- Yukiko Tachibana
- Yukari Tachibana
- Genjitsu Shu
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Departures about?
- A failed cellist finds unexpected dignity and emotional purpose preparing the dead for their final farewell.
- What is Departures like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Departures as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Departures violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Departures.
- What did critics think of Departures?
- Critics broadly regard it as a quiet, life-affirming human drama with strong performances, emotional depth, and an effective balance of humor and seriousness, though some find it slow and predictable.
- Which films are like Departures?
- Films with a similar feel include Still Walking, After Life, and The Straight Story.
- How long is Departures?
- Departures runs 130 minutes.
- Where can I watch Departures?
- In United States, Departures is available to rent or buy from Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
