A teacher in China takes the occasion of Tomb Sweeping Day to teach students about death and death rituals while they assist with the rituals for unclaimed bodies that have been cremated.
Directed by Yuxuan Ethan Wu, this short form documentary is an interesting take on the rituals of death and how to teach them as well as respect for those who came before us. There is a lot in this short film and the filmmaker really makes the most of the runtime. The story here is told by the teacher, told with just the right tone, the right emotions, and the right vulnerability. The film here is made to teach why as much as to show what has been done. The direction gives the film a clear view into the teaching and into the actions of the rituals while not giving away too much of the identity of those doing the rituals as well as those for whom the rituals are. The film is careful and open, giving the viewer the exact right viewpoint to get a glimpse of the rituals and the teaching of these.
The cinematography here gives the film a serious tone and one that is somber at times, but it also allows the viewer in without feeling voyeuristic. The look of the film is solid throughout and done in a close manner that brings the viewer right into what is happening and what is being thought. The editing goes well with this, giving scenes the time they need but no longer, giving the viewer time to see and understand what is going on but no time to linger longer than needed.
Death Education is the right title here and it should attract the exact viewers meant to see this and maybe a few extras who will come by curiosity. This is something that is just as on point as the rest of the film. This is a well done, carefully crafted short form documentary that gives the viewer the perfect peek into rituals around death that they may not be familiar with. The direction here is fantastic and brings the viewer in, the cinematography helps captivate the viewer, and the folks involved in front of the camera add to the reality of it all. With death and its rituals still being taboo subjects, this kind of documentary is needed, and the shorter runtime is the right way to bring this to viewers, to give them a moment of learning and not overstay its welcome when the subject can be uncomfortable for many. A small window in a subject that needs more exploration.