8.0
Where can I stream Departures legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Plex. You can also rent or buy it from Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Departures
2008·Movie
Departures fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Spectacle4
- Tension3
- Fast Pace2
Heart
Deeply moving and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Hopefulness8
- Catharsis8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Situational Comedy2
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Composition9
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography8
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Departures is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighDeeply moving and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, hopeful, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance3Love stories and emotional connections.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
HighEveryday modern life, family, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity4Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn9Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality9The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
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About
The gift of last memories.
Daigo, a cellist, is laid off from his orchestra and moves with his wife back to his small hometown where the living is cheaper. Thinking he’s applying for a job at a travel agency he finds he’s being interviewed for work with departures of a more permanent nature – as an undertaker’s assistant.
Profound DramaEmotional JourneyCulturally RevealingSlice-of-LifeMeditative & ReflectiveHuman DignityOvercoming PrejudiceBeautiful MusicHopeful & Moving
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Departures
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Departures worth watching?
78
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 78/100 (IMDb 8, Rotten Tomatoes 80%, and Metacritic 68). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Departures rated?
PG-13
It's rated PG-13 in the United States.
How long is Departures?
2 h 10 min
Departures runs 2 h 10 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Departures?
Critics74
Audiences84
Not quite. Audiences rate Departures higher (84) than critics (74). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
What language is Departures in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch Departures?
47
+33
+33GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Departures in 47 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Departures use?
Ambiguous EndingBenevolent BossChekhov's GunComforting ComforterDriven to SuicideThe FacelessThe Film of the BookThe "Fun" in "Funeral"Parental AbandonmentOh, Crap!Humiliation CongaTokyo Is the Center of the Universeand 16 more
TV Tropes lists 28 storytelling tropes for Departures, including Ambiguous Ending, Benevolent Boss, Chekhov's Gun.