Tag Archives: films about death

“Living While Dying” by Cathy Zheutlin

An independent filmmaker explores the end of life

The point of Cathy Zheutlin’s poignant documentary, “Living While Dying”, is best expressed by the quote which opens the film: “The art of living well and dying well are one.” Zheutlin, a filmmaker who has reached the sixth decade of … Continue reading

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“Living and Dying: A Love Story” by Sher and Rob Safran

A terminally ill married couple in Oregon chooses aid in dying

“Living and Dying: A Love Story” is a documentary that follows the end of life story of Charlie and Francie Emerick, a couple married for 66 years, both diagnosed with terminal illnesses and given six months to live. The film was … Continue reading

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“Departures” by Yōjirō Takita

This Japanese film explores the taboo of working intimately with death

In “Departures,” Yōjirō Takita points out the absurdity of a culture that holds onto rich death rituals while condemning those who perform them. The emotional, sometimes downright hilarious, movie explores why we need death traditions and shines light on a practice that … Continue reading

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The Hidden Humanity Within “Gates of Heaven” by Errol Morris

A look at the animal burial industry reveals how humans view love, loss and death

When Roger Ebert names your documentary one of the top ten best films ever made, you know you’ve done something right. Errol Morris received such a distinction for his 1978 classic, “Gates of Heaven.” Although the film is now almost … Continue reading

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