Departures
Now Playing
In Theaters
- Synopsis
- Director Yojiro Takita and writer Kundo Koyama examine the rituals surrounding death in Japan with this tale of an out-of-work cellist who accepts a job as a "Nokanashi" or "encoffineer" (the Japanese equivalent of an undertaker) in order to provide ......
- Read Full Synopsis
- Starring
- Masahiro Motoki, Ryoko Hirosue, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Kimiko Yo, Takashi Sasano
- Director(s)
- Yojiro Takita
- Distributor(s)
- Regent Releasing
- MPAA Rating
- PG-13
- Runtime
- 130 min.
Critic Reviews
Chicago Sun-Times | Roger EbertAdd Critic to Favorites
The movie is uncommonly absorbing.Read the full review
Los Angeles Times | Betsy SharkeyAdd Critic to Favorites
The film manages to be anything but dark; whimsy and sweet irony are laced throughout, a warmhearted blend that turned it into the surprise winner of 2008's Oscar for foreign-language film.Read the full review
Wall Street Journal | Joe MorgensternAdd Critic to Favorites
Beautiful moments abound. In Departures, the contemplation of death prepares the way for an appreciation of life.Read the full review
Watch Free Movies Online
SlashControl
Couch potatoes, rejoice! Choose from a library of 1000s of free movies and watch them online, anytime -- all at the brand-new SlashControl.
Watch Free Movies and TV Shows Online
Plus, check out:
Headlines
-
Japan's Oscar winning pic heads to the stage
09/12/09 A play based on Japan's 2008 foreign-language Oscar winner, "Departures," will open in May in Tokyo, according to producer Yasuhiro Mase. The film's scripter, Kundo Koyama, is adapting the work for the stage , while pic helmer Yojiro Takita is overseeing production. | Variety -
Japan nominates 'Nobody' for Oscar
09/10/09 Japan, the country which enjoyed two Academy Award wins last year, has selected the Ryoichi Kimizuka-directed "Nobody to Watch Over Me" ("Dare Mo Mamotte Kurenei") as its contender for the 2009 foreign-language Oscar race. | The Hollywood Reporter -
Japan picks 'Nobody' for Oscar race
09/10/09 Ryoichi Kimizuka's "Dare mo Mamote Kurenai" (Nobody to Watch Over Me) has been named as Japan's entry for the foreign-language film Oscar, the Motion Picture Producers Association of Japan announced on Thursday. | Variety -
FANTASTIC FEST's 3rd Wave of Titles... continues to rock!
09/07/09 Hey folks, Harry here with your latest installment of FANTASTIC FEST titles for the 2 weeks and 2 days away festival meant to create total mental meltdown and a condition known as cinematic euphoria, which can only be accomplished through repeated experiences with FANTASTIC FEST . | Ain't It Cool News -
'Departures' to arrive in play form
09/07/09 A play based on Japan's Oscar-winning pic "Departures" will open in May in Tokyo, according to producer Yasuhiro Mase. The film's scripter, Kundo Koyama, is also writing the play, while pic helmer Yojiro Takita is overseeing its production. | Variety -
Producer casts wider net
08/28/09 TV networks have produced most of the hit commercial pics in Japan for the past decade -- and Fuji TV has long been the leader, with its motion picture department head Chihiro Kameyama as the reigning box office guru. | Variety -
quick shots 8.4.09 | “Twilight” Controversy, Bauhaus at 90, No “Joe,” “Departures” $1M & “Devil”
08/04/09 Academy Award-winning foreign language film "Departures" has crossed the $1 million dollar mark in box office grosses. | indieWIRE