While still operating within a male paradigm, given that the film's director is a man, Departures still manages to give its female characters the space and time necessary to create depth and a strong and essential narrative. As the film does the work of deconstructing prejudices against women in cinema, the viewer is left to absorb these characters and appreciate them as the strong figures they are without diminishing them or denying them their femininity. This turn towards modern feminism represents a trend in post-war Japanese cinema towards globalization and anticipates the role of international film festivals in film demography. While Takita sets the film up with universally accessible themes of death, honor, and issues of femininity, he also delves into the details with predominantly Japanese cultural references. The final product is a film that resonates with everyone, but rings especially true to Japanese culture, while nodding to the changing nature of Japanese femininity and everything in between.