The life of Ittetsu Nemoto changed because of a newspaper ad. In the ad a temple was looking for Buddhist monks. The former rocker now works as a support person for depressed people and those considering suicide, but the vocation is taking its toll. Offering help around the clock means less time with his family and it’s taking him to the limits of what he can manage.
Nemoto arranges departure ceremonies through which those who consider suicide can go through an experience resembling death and reconsider their decision. For some, the ritual gives a reason to go on living, whether it be your cats waiting at home or cherry blossoms in springtime. For Nemoto, the ritual indicates repeated journeys to the edge of the abyss. However, he can’t discuss his own feelings with the other participants.
The monk’s face is filled with warm compassion while he listens to those in need of support, but when he is left alone, his face hardens. During sake-filled bar nights, he aims to build a wall between the dark feelings and his everyday family life, but feelings have a tendency to spill over from their designated boxes.
Emilia Koivumäki / Translation: Ulrika Sundelin
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English
- Name in Original Language: The Departure
- Director: Lana Wilson
- Country: USA
- Year: 2017
- Length: 88 min
- Age limit: null
- Cinematography: Lana Wilson
- Editing: David Teague
- Production: Lana Wilson/Roast Beef Productions
Showtimes:
- Cinema Artis, hall 2: Friday, 02.02 - 21:30