Departures

Absolutely stunning movie, easily the best film I've seen this year, or for that matter, for the past several years. Deeply moving, poignant, and yet with moments of genuine humor as well, "Departures" richly deserved its Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. Totally bawled my eyes out during the movie...I've lost count of the number of times I cried, and I've watched the movie twice! Though the story of how Daigo eventually overcomes his initial hesitation and revulsion for his profession of encoffinment breaks no new ground structurally, the eloquence of the storytelling and little things here and there make for a truly memorable film. I love the portrayal of Daigo and his wife's relationship, how devoted and supportive Mika is to her husband. Really felt the hurt that Daigo feels when Mike recoils at her husband's touch after she found out about Daigo's job, and shared the joy of their reunion after their brief separation. Also loved his surrogate family at work...his taciturn but gentle boss (Tsutomu Yamazaki in the performance of the movie) and Kumiko Yo's assistant. Watch for the powerhouse finale that the film understatedly builds towards. Another undoubted highlight is Joe Hisaishi's rich score. Not many films can be this powerful through its quiet elegance and beauty...this is one of them.