Departures is a Japanese film that was released in 2008 and directed by Yojiro Takita. It tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi, a young cellist who has recently lost his job and is struggling to find his place in the world.
The film begins with Daigo returning to his hometown after the death of his mother. He is met with the news that his father, who he has not seen in years, has also passed away. As he tries to come to terms with his loss, Daigo is approached by a man named Mr. Sasaki, who offers him a job as an "encoffineer," or a person who prepares bodies for cremation.
Initially, Daigo is resistant to the idea of working in such a morbid field, but he eventually decides to take the job in order to pay off his debts and support his wife, Mika. However, he faces a great deal of stigma and discrimination from his friends and the community, who view the job as shameful and dirty.
Despite these challenges, Daigo begins to embrace his new role and finds a sense of purpose in his work. He learns to respect and honor the dead, and helps to bring solace to their loved ones. Along the way, he also learns to appreciate the beauty and dignity of life, and to accept his own mortality.
As he becomes more comfortable in his job, Daigo also starts to mend his relationship with his estranged father, who he discovers had also worked as an encoffineer before his death. He comes to understand and forgive his father for the choices he made, and the film ends with Daigo finding a new sense of meaning and acceptance in his life.
Departures is a deeply moving and poignant film that deals with themes of loss, grief, and redemption. Its portrayal of the encoffineer profession is both respectful and sensitive, and serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the dead and the cycle of life. It is a film that is sure to stay with you long after you've watched it.
