Okuribito: Departures
Orkuribito; Departures the Academy award winning film in the best foreign languange film category from Japan is a cinematic Metaphor for "Life & Death". Ironically it deals the subject of life & death in very subtle humourous way. Filled with Synocdoche & Semiotics its a film straight from the rule book of filmmaking. This movie will remind you of the old classical style of filmmaking. It's been a long time since I have not watched a contemprory film in the recent time which has a feel of Satyajit Ray & Kurusawa in it. Watchin this movie is like sitting in a filmmaking class and listening to a master enunciating the nuances of filmmaking. The movie takes on a visual narration sans the plot oriented structure letting the camera and silence talk. Complimented by beautiful cinematography & music the story blends with the philosophy, beauty & emotions.
The movie shows the most contrasting aspect of life through completely contrasting professions symbolizing highs and lows of life. A musicians life, where one is living the life of his dreams and a then the life of an encoffineer who is living a life for the dead giving both dream & death it's identity and importance.
One of the most beautiful scenes of the movie I liked is where the protagnist and an old man look below the bridge on to the river where Salmons are tying to swim upstream and a dead fish is flowing down stream. symbolizing that life and death co exist.

People said that the movie is too long takes its own time in establishing. I never felt it was long.
The other movie which has similar touch but dealt with the darker side of life is Asif Kapadia's "Far North". If this movie was shot in English language then it would have definitely taken away couple of more oscars.If you are a filmmaker then don't miss this movie.