Anyone who knows me, knows my non-existent standards to classify what is and what isn’t a good movie. In most cases -and by most I mean about 97% of the time - it’s a good movie… even if those around me beg to differ (Brandon and attest to this). I CAN however, tell an EXCELLENT movie from an average one. That said, Departures (aka Okuribito - click on link to read synopsis from official site) is now sitting on the top of my movie pedestal for foreign films - I don’t think I’ve laughed or cried that hard throughout an entire film since watching Life is Beautiful (another MUST SEE if you haven’t already). The movie definitely sparked a new found appreciation for the art of “encoffination” - I’m actually going to look into it more and see if it’s a common practice among the oriental populations here, it’s something so respectfully tender it almost hurts. I’ve put the trailer below but please keep in mind that it really doesn’t do the movie any justice - if you guys are Netflix members, you can stream it onto your Xbox360, PS3 or your computer by putting the movie onto your “Watch Instantly” list. Do it. Now.

Until next time,

VICTORY OR DEATH

Yours,

Julia Vaughn