The aloof protagonist: a bookworm who is deeply detached from the world he resides in. He has no interest in others and is firmly convinced that nobody has any interest in him either. His story begins when he stumbles across a handwritten book, titled Living with Dying. He soon identifies it as a secret diary belonging to his popular, bubbly classmate Sakura Yamauchi. She then confides in him about the pancreatic disease she is suffering from and that her time left is finite. Only her family knows about her terminal illness; not even her best friends are aware. Despite this revelation, he shows zero sympathy for her plight, but caught in the waves of Sakura's persistent buoyancy, he eventually concedes to accompanying her for her remaining days.
As the pair of polar opposites interact, their connection strengthens, interweaving through their choices made with each passing day. Her apparent nonchalance and unpredictability disrupts the protagonist's impassive flow of life, gradually opening his heart as he discovers and embraces the true meaning of living.
You can’t help but be drawn in by the title, it’s both charmingly peculiar and somewhat unsettling. Allow me to assure you, this emotionally provocative film, Kimi no Suizou wo Tabetai (I Want to Eat Your Pancreas) does not involve any gruesome eating habits, but it does involve the exploration of life, impending death, and how two characters deal with these realities.
The movie follows an introverted high school student and bookworm who accidentally stumbles upon a diary belonging to classmate named Sakura Yamauchi. Through the diary, he discovers that she secretly suffers from a pancreatic illness. This leads to an unlikely friendship as Sakura, the bubbly and cheerful girl, decides to spend her remaining time with him.
“I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” – a romantic drama at its core handles a somber theme with grace. The growth of our introverted protagonist against the backdrop of Sakura’s playful yet paradoxically morose approach to her imminent fate is what really draws you in. The character development, the dynamics, it’s all there, unfolding brilliantly, pulling at your heartstrings from the get-go.
The film manages to stay light and bright through most parts, thanks to the incredibly likable Sakura. Her fun-loving, carefree attitude transforms the atmosphere from anticipated bleakness to a lively one. She’s living her life to the fullest in the face of death, and that’s inspirational no matter how you slice it.
Visually, the film looks gorgeous. With its vibrant colors, detailed settings and stellar animation, it’s a treat for the eyes. It’s aesthetic complementing the nature of the plot perfectly. Musical score doesn’t disappoint either, with tunes conveying every sentiment the story aims for.
Although classifiable under “tear-jerker”, the film resonates because it isn’t just about a tragic love story. It’s about understanding the precious nature of life and the inevitable transience of it. It’s a powerful story of friendship, growth, and self-realization that will have you on an emotional roller-coaster throughout.
So, should you rent, buy or stream ‘I Want to Eat Your Pancreas’? If you are a sucker for a good emotional anime movie then you might want to own this one, it’s a gem. Yet, even if you’re not predisposed to such themes, it’s definitely worth at least a rental, you won’t regret it.
Anime Critic Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
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