 In September 2008 , ContentFilm acquired the international rights to Departures , which by that time had been licensed for screening in countries such as Greece , Australia , and Malaysia ; the film was ultimately screened in 36 countries . North American distribution was handled by Regent Releasing , and Departures received a limited release in nine theatres beginning on 29 May 2009 . Overall , the film earned almost $ 1 @.@ 5 million during its North American run before closing on 24 June 2010 . In the United Kingdom , Departures premiered on 4 December 2009 and was distributed by Arrow Film Distributors . The film attained a worldwide gross of nearly $ 70 million . 
