Departures is a Japanese film released in 2008 that tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a young man who is forced to return to his hometown after his cello career in Tokyo is abruptly ended. Upon returning home, he discovers that his mother has died and that his father has sold their home and moved away. Daigo is left with nowhere to go and few prospects for the future, until he is offered a job as a nōkanshi, or a traditional Japanese funeral performer.
At first, Daigo is repulsed by the idea of working in the funeral industry and is ashamed to tell his friends and former colleagues about his new job. However, as he begins to learn more about the rituals and customs surrounding death in Japanese culture, he begins to see the beauty and meaning behind these traditions. He becomes deeply moved by the way in which the nōkanshi helps families to honor and celebrate the lives of their loved ones, and he begins to find a sense of purpose and fulfillment in his work.
One of the most striking aspects of Departures is the way in which it portrays the theme of loss and grief. The film does not shy away from the pain and sadness that come with the loss of a loved one, and it portrays these emotions in a deeply authentic and moving way. At the same time, however, the film also showcases the ways in which people can find meaning and comfort in the face of loss. Through the rituals and traditions of the nōkanshi, Daigo is able to help others to cope with their grief and find solace in the face of death.
Another important theme in Departures is the idea of acceptance and letting go. Throughout the film, Daigo struggles with the idea of accepting his new career and the changes it brings to his life. He is initially resistant to the idea of working in the funeral industry and is ashamed to tell others about it. However, as he begins to understand the importance of his work and the meaning it brings to others, he becomes more comfortable with his new role and is able to embrace it fully.
One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Daigo's father returns to town and the two men are finally able to reconcile and come to terms with their past. In this scene, Daigo is able to let go of his anger and resentment towards his father and is able to forgive him for the mistakes he made in the past. This moment is a powerful example of the way in which the film portrays the importance of acceptance and letting go in the face of loss and grief.
Overall, Departures is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores the themes of loss, grief, acceptance, and letting go in a deeply authentic and meaningful way. Through the story of Daigo Kobayashi and his journey as a nōkanshi, the film showcases the ways in which people can find meaning and purpose in the face of loss and the importance of acceptance and forgiveness in the process of healing and moving forward.
