Topics in Psychology Goes to the Movies: Departures

Note this movie will start at 2:ooinstead of Departures (2008), directed by Yōjirō Takita, is a profoundly moving Japanese film that explores life, death, dignity, and the quiet beauty of human connection. It follows Daigo Kobayashi, a young cellist who loses his job when his orchestra disbands. He returns to his hometown with his wife and, through a twist of fate, becomes an apprentice nokanshi — an undertaker who performs the traditional Japanese ritual of preparing the dead for burial, called encoffinment.
At first, Daigo feels ashamed of this “unclean” job. Society stigmatizes it, and even his wife recoils from the idea. But as he witnesses the deep tenderness, respect, and closure the ritual brings to grieving families, Daigo’s perspective transforms. Through his work, he learns to honor both the dead and the living — and, ultimately, to reconcile with his own feelings about his father, death, and the meaning of life itself.
After the film, group discussion will folllow facilitated by Dr. Sharon Eve, psychotherapist and author. We ask $10 to cover our costs. Popcorn will be provided.

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