Departures
Departures Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 10, 2026
Movie Overview: Departures
| Movie | Departures |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Director | Yojiro Takita |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 130 minutes (2h 10m) |
| Language | JA |
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 7.9/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Departures are led by Masahiro Motoki . The supporting cast, including Hirosue Ryoko and Tsutomu Yamazaki , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Departures stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Departures has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Departures
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, Departures is a Drama film directed by Yojiro Takita, written by Kundo Koyama. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Masahiro Motoki as Daigo Kobayashi.
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 Masahiro Motoki's journey, 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 Masahiro Motoki as Daigo Kobayashi in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life. Yojiro Takita builds this foundation carefully, and across its 2h 10m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Masahiro Motoki, 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 Masahiro Motoki's arc to its natural conclusion. Yojiro Takita's direction delivers powerfully, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Departures
Departures Ending Explained: Directed by Yojiro Takita, Departures resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Masahiro Motoki. Many viewers have praised the way the narrative builds toward its final moments.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Departures reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Departures?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
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 |
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 (2008) is 130 minutes (2h 10m). Directed by Yojiro Takita, the film runs for 130 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Departures is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Departures worth watching?
Departures is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 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 runtime of Departures (2008)?
The runtime of Departures (2008) is 130 minutes (approximately 2h 10m).
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.
