If it wasn't for the Oscar hype, most of us probably wouldn't have heard of the Japanese movie Departures. It is a rare cinematic gem that, despite its predictable plot, is bound to make you laugh, shed tears and reflect on the meaning of death.
Daigo (Masahiro Motoki) is a devoted but average cellist. After his orchestra disbands, he is forced to abandon his childhood dream of becoming a professional musician. He moves back, with his wife Mika (Ryoko Hirosue), to his home village for a new start in life.
Daigo randomly lands a well-paid job in an after-death service agency. Although fearful and uncertain, he finds the salary too alluring to turn it down. He is soon to learn more than he ever wanted to about 'encoffination' or embalming - preparing, cleaning and dressing the dead.
But just as Daigo finally starts to appreciate his new-found career, he realises he is despised by everyone around him, including his beloved wife because it's a job that is considered taboo and undignified in Japanese culture.
After several funerals and seeing the inevitable goodbyes said between married couples, parents and children, and friends, Daigo discovers the liberation that comes with forgiveness. And those once close to him come to terms with him being an embalmer.
Acclaimed director Yojiro Takita effectively depicts our fear of death by unveiling the secrets of after-death services. The audience is repeatedly nudged by the main theme - treasure your loved ones while you still can. As cliched as that may sound, the message is delivered in such a way that it's difficult to not sob through the sentimental funeral scenes.