MovieChat Forums > Okuribito (2009) Discussion > Why are they always eating?

Why are they always eating?

posted 12 years ago by Karneda92
10 replies | jump to latest

Seriously next to their profession the main cast is almost always seen preparing and eating food, is there a symbolic meaning to it ?

"The stuff that dreams are made of."

[–] KazKazui 12 years ago

I think it's a cultrural thing, I just know that eating has a big meaning in Japan and a good cook is very respected. But maybe also eating is used as symbolism for life in contrast with death or it's a symbol for the circle of life.

[–] ranran-001 12 years ago

The director answered that question at Ebert Fest, he said they got the idea to have food in it because Takita and the screen writer asked funeral directors what was the first thing they did after they were done. Answer: They ate.

[–] Karneda92 12 years ago

ahh thanks for the answer , you to Kaz

"The stuff that dreams are made of."

[–] jrhpax 8 years ago

The extra on the DVD -- the interview with the director -- contains this comment, too.

[–] Torian06 12 years ago

I've just finished watching this movie today and enjoyed it very much.
I'm from a different part of Asia and so I appreciate very much the respect accorded to the departed ones here, though there are cultural differences with how we do it here in my own country.

I don't think there's any symbolic meaning attached to the frequent eating. There wasn't any scene when any of the characters eating together make it seems as if they're doing some kind of ritual. For instance, it's Christmas and they were eating fried chicken using their fingers just like anyone does. Daigo and his wife went for an enjoyable drinks after going into a public bath just like any couple would after a good time some place out of their house.

I think that with all the ceremonial preparations the leads did for the dead as morticians that take a long time to finish, and while on their knees at that, they'll naturally go hungry afterwards. Simple as that.

Truth inexorably,inscrutably seeks and reveals Itself into the Light.

[–] chicago85 11 years ago

Some of the food was given to them by the families of the deceased as a thank you. Like when they unwrapped some food and ate in the car after leaving a house. They were not a family. They ate on the run or after their work was done for the day.

[–] Kawada_Kira 10 years ago

Well people generally eat fairly frequently. Some have even been known to eat three times a day. :P

Ok sorry, just couldn't resist. Seriously, I don't think there was anything symbolic about it but food is a big part of life in Japan. There's even a great movie (which I highly recommend, if you haven't seen it) called "Tampopo" which pokes fun at the importance of food in Japanese culture and how it revolves around every aspect of life, including death.

"To punish the oppressors of humanity is clemency. To forgive them is cruelty."
-Robespierre

[–] spookyrat1 9 years ago

... but food is a big part of life in Japan.

I think the food was prominent to show their normal side as opposed to their highly formalized, ritualistic movements that are part and parcel of their work as nōkanshi.🐭

[–] Fleurus 9 years ago

Well said. And the way they eat at Christmas with their fingers and with gluttony in total contrast with the care they take in performing their job.

[–] SamoanJoes 8 years ago

Like pigs, might I add!