The Master of Funerals

In the poignant 2019 drama The Master of Funerals, a group of former classmates from Ibaraki High School are thrust back together under the somber shadow of tragedy. On the tenth anniversary of their graduation, they learn of the untimely death of one of their own in a tragic accident. Faced with the gravity of their loss, the group decides to hold an unconventional memorial on the very campus where their youthful dreams once flourished. What unfolds is a night filled with reflection, nostalgia, and the haunting secrets of their past, as the friends grapple with the impact of their shared history and the lives they’ve built since parting ways.

As the night progresses, each character is forced to confront not only the memory of their deceased classmate but also their own choices and unfulfilled aspirations. The film artfully navigates themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the weight of regret, all while revealing the complexities of friendship that have evolved—or diminished—over the years. With a blend of humor and melancholy, The Master of Funerals invites viewers to ponder the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing connections, making it a touching exploration of how we honor those we’ve lost and redefine our paths forward.