After Life (Wandafuru raifu)

An eternity in this "After Life" would be a pretty pleasant fate.

The obvious comparison for this thoughtful, meditative Japanese fantasy is Wim Wenders' beloved 1988 film "Wings of Desire," which dealt with similar subject matter. And while it's not quite as good as that — by just a notch — "After Life" is original enough that it can stand on its own merits

Some audience members may be put off by the film's depiction of heaven (at least a part of it) as a dingy-looking, barracks-type building that's badly in need of a few coats of paint. And the slow pace may turn off those who who crave action instead of such brain food as genuine character development.

But for those with patience, the film is a touching ode to life, love and memories — as well as a reminder for audiences to make the most of their time on Earth. That message may creep up on you slowly, but it will likely linger for days.

You also have to respect the movie for its seemingly bizarre origins. Former television documentarian Hirokazu Kore-eda began by asking ordinary people about their happy memories, then used those to script dialogue for his "recently deceased" characters, who are on their way to the Great Beyond.

Upon reaching a heavenly "waiting station," they are assigned agents who are supposed to make their transition easier. More specifically, the agents give their newly dead clients three days to select their happiest memory from their lives on Earth. Those memories are then re-enacted and put on "film." After the "films" are screened for clients, they are whisked into their "films" — where they will live throughout eternity.

For some it's an easy choice of experiences with loved ones or recollections of a beloved possession. But for others it's not such an easy decision, especially impulsive Yusuke Iseya (acting under his own name), who simply refuses to comply with instructions or even to take responsibility for his life's actions.

The selection process isn't necessarily an easy one for the agents, either. Michizuki (newcomer Arata) seems haunted by his sessions with the deeply unhappy Watanabe (Taketoshi Naito), and Shiori (Erika Oda) uses a "location scouting" trip for her own ends.

Those latter two story lines are used to bring the plot full circle as well as give it a deeper sense of emotional resonance. And not too surprisingly, it works.

Kore-eda (who also made 1995's "Maborosi") also mixes film stock and video footage to make the film's point of view seem more subjective and to blur the lines between fiction and reality.

Also, his deceptively simple screenplay throws in some off-kilter humor — such as the bit about a young girl who wants her memory to be that of a trip to Disneyland — to make sure it's not a completely solemn affair.

Of course, much of the credit has to go to the performers, especially when you consider that at least half of them are non-actors. However, that's not meant to slight any of the professionals, particularly the charismatic leads.

"After Life" is not rated but would probably receive a PG for some brief sex talk.