Bravo for "Departures"

[Katrina]

It was my birthday week, and my husband took me to see the first Japanese film - non-animation - that I've ever seen. It was called "Departures". A young talented cello player has lost his job because the orchestra he plays for is dissolved. He and his obedient wife move into a abandoned family home and he sells his beloved cello to make ends meet. On his first interview, he's given the opportunity to try out a new job for a day.  He doesn't even know what it will involve. But his boss insists that he's born to do it.  The work grows on you. It's not quite work though; it's more like being an artist, psychologist, cleaner and ritualist all in one. The man prepares bodies for their burial with an elaborate display of respect and care.  As he deals with family's who are losing a loved one, he almost loses his wife and respect from his friends because of the work he's doing. It's an endearing story that sent many thoughts tumbling in my belly. I thought about my passions in life, the value of life, growing old, the importance of my husband and family,  and how to be sensitive to others. It was well worth seeing. Bravo!