I Want to Eat Your Pancreas: A Touching Story of Love and Heartbreak Behind The Scenes

Preface

The Japanese animation film, “I want to eat your pancreas” released on 2018 tackles the themes of life, death and the relationships that surround us. It is a film adaptation of the novel written by Yoru Sumino back in 2015 with the same title. It is considered a bittersweet drama due to it displaying the beauty of coming of age stories and shocking its audience with the depth and skillful storytelling. The narrative is directed by Shinichirō Ushijima and handcrafted by Studio VOLN, where the deeply moving novel was adapted into an animated film.

Although this movie has an odd and disturbing title, it is another touching story which educates the audience about appreciating life to the fullest and embracing every moment that comes. The movie focuses on an introverted high school adolescent boy and his terminally ill classmate who unexpectedly become friends which changes their lives permanently.

Synopsis

The plot centers around an unnamed male protagonist (later identified as Haruki Shiga in the book and film) who has an antisocial personality, preferring to be lonely rather than socialize. Once, while sitting at a hospital, he finds a book called Living with Dying, which happens to be a diary belonging to his classmate, Sakura Yamauchi. As the narrative progresses, he learns that Sakura is terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, a fact she has concealed from nearly everyone besides her family.

Instead of responding with pity or grief like most people do, Haruki feels nothing and continues to treat Sakura like he always has which fascinates her. This convinces her to try and get to know him better and change her limited time into more meaningful time.

Over time, the two grow close friends, and as such, Sakura helps Haruki step out of his comfort zone, encouraging him to face the unknown. They go on small trips together, with her helping him to try new foods and talk about the unknown. Haruki begins to change through their interactions, slowly moving away from being cold and emotionless to a person that values connections.

Yet, at the point when it appears that their relationship is becoming stronger, misfortune occurs in the most unanticipated manner. Haruki is left heartbroken when Sakura is abruptly and brutally slain. She was sick and that was supposed to kill her eventually, yet destiny had a nasty surprise. In the final letter she wrote to Haruki, Sakura tells him how thankful she is for the times they had together and how she has romantic feelings toward him which means she was also greatly impacted by their relationship.

The movie ends with Haruki finally accepting the reality of his emotions by going to visit Sakura’s family and resolving to live his life in the manner that will best honor the lessons the his girlfriend taught him. It is a very moving thought on how people we may have only met a few times can greatly influence our lives.

Themes and Symbolism

The most shocking feature of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is the depth of its thematics which deserves attention even in modern art.

Life and Mortality

This film serves as a reflection on nihility. In knowing the allotted time from death, Sakura attempts to live fully and savor each minute, seeing as it is in short supply. Whereas, Haruki, who is actively avoiding all social interaction, happens to be most unhealthy of the two people in this relationship. He never exposes himself and then ultimately becomes the epitome of being truly alive and simply existing.

Title Interpretations

Examining the film’s title gives an understanding of its significance. Consuming a part of someone’s body considered to be useful in curing ailments associated with that organ is an Sakuran explanation of ancient beliefs. In his journey, this metaphorically means Haruki wanting to possess Sakura to carry spirit along with the valuable teachings that she left to him.

Connections Alongside Heartbreaks

The development of Haruki’s character is of significant importance in the story. His self imposed detechment comes from the fear of pain and loss, but with Sakura, he learns to accept the reality of relationships even if they lead to heartbreaking outcomes. The film attempts to illustrate that the pleasures that accompany bonding relationships form overpower the anguish that results from severing them.

Cast and Crew

Director: Shinichirō Ushijima

Studio: VOLN

Screenplay: Shinichirō Ushijima

Original Novel: Yoru Sumino

Music: Hiroko Sebu

Main Cast:

Mahiro Takasugi as Haruki Shiga

Lynn as Sakura Yamauchi

Yukiyo Fujii as Kyoko

Yuma Uchida as Takahiro

Animation and Soundtrack

In addition, the animation by studio VOLN is stunning, soft, warm and cozy along with the film’s emotional result, makes the visuals amazing, as the color palette, lighting, along with the expressions of the characters, creates the highest level of storytelling in everone’s sight. Such factors make it possible for every set out to emerge genuine and honest.

The soundtrack of the film was done by Hiroko Sebu and was very moving which adjusted and gave emotional weight to the film. The song Fanfare by sumika which plays during some of the poignant moments of the film is an exquisite portrayal of love, loss and remembrance.

Critical Reception and IMDb Rating

The film I Want to Eat Your Pancreas captured the hearts of many due to its deep emotional connotation, beautiful animation, and undeniable performances. This film has an IMDb rating of 8.0/10, and many viewers recount to appreciate the touching narrative and profound themes. The shattering moments were tempered with lighthearted ones and, as a whole, were beautifully intertwined, garnering a lot of praise from critics.

Conclusion

I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a film that encapsulates romance and features tear jerking scenes throughout the film. It also tells us about the cruel yet beautiful reality of human connection. The film teaches us to cherish the present, embrace our emotions, and find meaning in defeat. With breathtaking handcrafted animation paired with meaningful storytelling and unique character designs, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas serves as a reminder that people can make a lifelong impact on us.

For audiences who appreciate emotional and philosophical animated cinema, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is an extremely impactful film. It is a film that encumbers you for days after as it inspires you to ponder about the essence of life, love, and relationships.

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