I recently ordered a copy of Coffinman: The Journal Of A Buddhist Mortician (Nokanfu Nikki) by Aoki Shinmon (Translation by Wayne Yokoyama):
Coffinman: The Journal Of A Buddhist Mortician
The 2008 Japanese film Departures (Okuribito) is loosely based on the novel. In it, unemployed Orchestra cellist Daigo Koboyashi heads back to his hometown looking for a new job and answers an ad for a “Nokan Agent” unaware that the position involves the ritual preparation of the deceased for burial.
The film went on to win the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009 and practically swept the Japanese equivalent of the Academy Awards the same year, garnering wins in the Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor categories (along with many, many more). It’s a beautiful film, funny and heartwarming, and highly recommended.
The poster for Japan's Best Film of 2009: Departures
Here’s the second official trailer for this summer’s highly anticipated Iron Man 2:
Whiplash and War Machine both look great.
I especially like the shot of Mickey Rourke as Whiplash shown from Tony Stark’s POV under the flipped race car.
The portable Iron Man armor at the end of the trailer is an awesome money shot that will definitely go a long way towards getting people in seats May 7th when the sequel, Iron Man 2, makes its debut.
