The 2009 Best Foreign Film Oscar went to the Japanese film Departures, which I feel was well deserved (although I have to admit I didn't see any of the other entries).
Downsized from his orchestra cellist's job, and not talented enough to find work in a better orchestra, Daigo Kobayashi (Masahiro Motoki) (Kane Schodel, I know what you're thinking!!!) decides to move back to his hometown and find something new to do. His adorable web designer wife (played superbly by Ryoko Hirosue) tags along out of a sense of duty and honor.
Lured in by a typo in the advertisement, Daigo finds work preparing the dead for cremation and burial. It's not a prestigious job in Japanese society, although it pays well. At first disgusted (to our great amusement), then fascinated, and finally accepting of the required duties, Daigo works under the instruction of Ikuei Sasaki (Tsutomo Yamazaki).
Wow. What a great film. From the writing to the music to the cinematography to the acting, this film is a must see. I want to buy this on DVD so I can watch this film again and pick up all the tiny nuances. It's a window to Japanese society and customs in a way that could only be brought to us by the Japanese. It's underlying philosophy of savoring life is heartwarming and touching. We should all eat so well that we "hate ourselves".
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment