Tonight I walked to the Belcourt, unassuming.
I purchased one ticket for ‘Departures’ at the outside window and connected with Jeff and Annie who were waiting inside. I was a few minutes late as I needed to grab a late night cup of coffee across the street. We entered the center screening room and took our creaky, yet inviting, seats.
I love to be surprised. More so by good news than bad.
Speaking along the lines of viewing a film – the unknown can be the most fulfilling experience. In this particular case I allowed myself to only view the name of the director and the poster art.
The rest I left up to chance.
The poster portrayed a man, seated, embracing a cello placed in a meadow with a vast display of mountains flanking him. That alone is what drew me to see this film. There is something so moving, so hypnotizing, about the sound of a lone cello placidly releasing each note.
I could soak it in for eternity.
The film began and my mind quickly adjusted to the ebb and flow of simultaneously reading the translation at the bottom and taking in the images that paralleled. As most Asian films the attention to detail in every aspect was absolutely stunning. The story unfolded with such a delicate touch that there are no other words for it.
I do not write tonight to give you a review of the movie from the perspective of a film critic, yet to simply express its impact upon me, and close.
Fully understanding that all of us are individually wired down to each single DNA, on each individual strand, when speaking upon death and loved ones – ALL are affected. Some, like myself, are stitched with microscopic pours full of sensitivity, and if that is you – beware.
[Measured by 'the Enneagram' this would be a type 4.]
It matters not the culture from where you derive, the level of income bestowed upon your household nor the shining-white-perfect-teethed smiling family portraits that you take pride in – no one comes from a “flawless upbringing”. Be it masked or not, we are all human.
To err is human.
This film portrays such err. If you so happen to be one of us who were raised on the opposite end of perfection, the story line fused with meticulously beautiful acting will absolutely rip your heart open. No matter how cold.
This moment patiently awaits until the final scenes unfolding last breath. At that moment the softening of my heart, that had been taking place throughout the past two hours, left me literally paralyzed.
Never too muscle-headed to ashamedly deny – I was moved to tears, several times throughout. More so then I have been in a long time. When you feel tinges of your reality in a culture so other worldly than your own, it’s quite moving.
I do hope that you will experience this film at some point and let it affect you, not entertain you. I think the later would be doing it such a grave disservice.
I have been so transported by this film, so deeply touched, that I know it’s time to write a few hard letters to those I love. Furthermore, back to the DNA wiring, I know that I will not be able to do so until this is done.
It’s never too late to express your true feelings… until it’s too late.
