Foreign-language film: ‘Departures’

“Departures”

Japan

The little-seen Japanese film “Departures,” directed by Yojiro Takita, tells the story of a failed cellist (Masahiro Motoki) who finds a new lease on life when he accepts a job in the mortuary business.

Taking the stage with a number of collaborators, Takita said: “I am very, very happy. I am here because of films. This is a new departure for me.” On his way off, he added, “We will be back, I hope.”

Two other nominees, “The Class” from France and “Waltz With Bashir” from Israel, were among the most lauded films of the year after their respective premieres at the Cannes Film Festival last May.