Okuribito (Departures)

If the beautiful music and scenery of this movie do not make you weep, I expect the touching story will. Spoken in Japanese with English subtitles, this story is not only about, of course, departures, but also reunions. Departed loved ones both permanent and temporary. Dealing with separation. Forgiving and reuniting. These are all covered so well one might forget lessons are being taught.

Masahiro Motoki is both hilarious and circumspect in this role of evolution.

A year ago this movie won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film and just about every meaningful award given by the Japanese version of the Academy. All well-deserved.

If you don't like subtitles, or if you don't like to see the portrayal of dead people, or if you don't like tear-jerkers, you may want to pass on this movie. On the other hand, if you like a movie that is beautiful in every way...

Watch this with someone who appreciates good cello music.