The Departure

Released Oct 13, 2017

1h 27m

Documentary

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26 Reviews

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Ittetsu Nemoto confronts his growing self-destructive tendencies.

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The Departure directed by Lana Wilson is a character driven reality drama documenting the life of Ittetsu Nemoto, a Japanese Buddhist priest of the Zen sect, whose ministry is saving his fellow countrymen from suicide in a country where suicide is not only tolerated but accepted as a norm. I loved the opening shots of juxtaposing Ittetsu Nemoto – a middle-aged man, dancing, riding his motorcycle, strolling along the serene and quiet setting of the temple grounds, images of his young son, against Ittetsu Nemoto -the Buddhist priest, chanting, making notes in his calendar, donning his robes, and conducting his departure workshop on death. The motif of man and priest run through the film as Nemoto grapples with his competing roles as Buddhist priest and family man. Watching Nemoto deliver his death workshop to re-orient his students to accept life was such a moving experience and meaningful event to them. These scenes are some of the most powerful images in the film. The motif of compassion runs through the film and is the thread that holds it together. Wilson beautifully documents Nemoto's philosophy and meditation on life, his vocation caring for the suicide afflicted and acting as an activist for suicide prevention which we see and learn have exacted a toll on him both physically and emotionally. The film documents Nemoto struggles to find a balance between his compassionate work and caring for the needs of his immediate family and his own needs while confronting and dealing with his heart disease. On a personal note, the documentary resonated with me on many levels. While I was living in Japan, I learnt there was no toll free 1-800 suicide prevention hotline! Perhaps, there is one now. Many of my Japanese students and friends had no issue with suicide. If people wanted out, well, no one was going to interfere with their decision. I thought that was a load of baloney! Nemoto has proven many Japanese wrong. Nemoto's efforts are admirable and herculean in the face of Japan's suicide culture, and I pray that others join him in the good fight to address this social issue. I applaud the director and her team in making such a poignant and powerful documentary on the life of Ittetsu Nemoto and his compassionate work and shining a light on Japan's suicide culture. I

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

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andy h

Though it doesn't dive much into Buddhism, the monk we follow instills the values he holds and the messages he desires to spread with approachable understanding.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

AS an American Zen Buddhist Priest and chaplain, I found this movie compelling and a very necessary reminder, to help without helping, but... remember to take care of ourselves.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Audience Member

Apparently 84 users rated this, but not one of them wrote an actual review, and I think that that speaks volumes for this work. There truly isn't much to say; watch it, and you will understand.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

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The Departure: Trailer 1

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Bilge Ebiri

Spirituality & Health

This is a film that is clear-eyed about human frailty and sadness, but also deeply in love with the very nature of our existence.

Mar 23, 2020

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Tomris Laffly

Film School Rejects

The Departure is a moving, philosophical exercise on understanding and cherishing life by confronting the finiteness of it.

Jan 8, 2018

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Ann Hornaday

Washington Post

A film that explores life's toughest and most transcendent moments with tenderness, honesty and care.

Nov 2, 2017

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Phil Guie

Film-Forward.com

As his emotional defenses fall away, he is revealed to be every bit as flawed, hurting, and human as those he counsels, making this tale of an iconoclast into something expectedly profound.

Mar 21, 2019

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Michael McNeely

That Shelf

Again, wow-what a story here.

Feb 6, 2019

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Marisa Carpico

The Pop Break

Though The Departure's initial draw is the novelty...the film is actually a low-key examination of suicide in Japan.

Rated: 8/10

Dec 25, 2018

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Synopsis

Ittetsu Nemoto confronts his growing self-destructive tendencies.

Director: Lana Wilson
Producer: Lilly Hartley, Mike Lerner, Diane Max, Regina K. Scully, Jeffrey Tarrant
Screenwriter: David Teague, Lana Wilson
Distributor: Matson Films
Production Co: Candescent Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Japanese
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 13, 2017, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $11.5K
Runtime: 1h 27m

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