Departures
Performance & Direction: Departures Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Departures (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Departures features a noteworthy lineup led by Masahiro Motoki . Supported by the likes of Ryoko Hirosue and Kimiko Yo , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Departures (2008) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.8/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Departures
Quick Plot Summary: Departures is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Departures
Ending Breakdown: Departures resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Departures demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Departures?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Drama cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate emotionally resonant character studies and meaningful themes
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Departures
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $69.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Top Cast: Departures
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Where to Watch Departures Online?
Streaming HubDepartures Parents Guide & Age Rating
2008 AdvisoryWondering about Departures age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Departures is 130 minutes (2h 10m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.8/10, and global collection metrics, Departures stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Departures worth watching?
Departures is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.8/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Departures parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Departures identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Departures?
The total duration of Departures is 130 minutes, which is approximately 2h 10m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
