Departures (2008)

Kernel Score: 89% · 905 ratings · Rated PG-13

Genres: Drama

Released: 2008-09-13

Runtime: 130 minutes

Where to watch Departures

  • Free with ads: Plex
  • Rent: Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home
  • Buy: Google Play, YouTube, Fandango At Home

US availability, updated 2026-10-22.

Overview

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.

Departures parents' guide: ages 11+

Parents need to know that Departures deals with death, funerals, and grief through the eyes of a new mortician's assistant.

  • Violence & scariness: A little — No graphic violence; the film centers on preparing bodies for funerals, which includes some frank but respectful depictions of death.

Fresh Kernels AI-assessed from the official PG-13 rating, publicly documented content. A guide for families, not an official rating.

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Director

Yojiro Takita

Cast

  • Masahiro Motoki as Daigo Kobayashi
  • Hirosue Ryoko as Mika Kobayashi
  • Tsutomu Yamazaki as Ikuei Sasaki
  • Kimiko Yo as Yuriko Kamimura
  • Tetta Sugimoto as Yamashita
  • Toru Minegishi as Yoshiki Kobayashi
  • Tatsuo Yamada as Togashi
  • Yukiko Tachibana
  • Yukari Tachibana as Rie Yamashita
  • Genjitsu Shu

Departures FAQ

Is Departures good?

Departures has an 89% Kernel Score on Fresh Kernels from 905 audience ratings.

Where can I watch Departures?

In the US you can watch it free with ads on Plex and rent it from Google Play, YouTube and Fandango At Home.

Is Departures OK for kids?

Departures is rated PG-13. Fresh Kernels suggests ages 11+. Parents need to know that Departures deals with death, funerals, and grief through the eyes of a new mortician's assistant.

What movies are like Departures?

If you liked Departures, try If I Stay, Perfect Days, Udaan and Hamlet.