I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a 2018 Japanese animated romantic drama film based on the novel of the same name by Yoru Sumino. The film follows the story of two high school students who form an unlikely bond after one of them discovers that the other has a terminal illness.
Quick Summary
The story centers around an introverted, aloof boy nicknamed “Me” who happens to discover a diary belonging to one of his popular, cheerful classmates named Sakura Yamauchi. In the diary, Sakura reveals that she has pancreatic cancer and only has a short time left to live. Despite their differences, “Me” and Sakura form a strong friendship in her remaining days as she teaches him to enjoy life to the fullest.
Is I Want to Eat Your Pancreas available on Netflix?
Unfortunately, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is not currently available to stream on Netflix in the US. The film has not yet been licensed by Netflix for streaming on their platform.
However, there are a few options to watch the movie online:
- The film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu.
- It is also available on Blu-Ray/DVD which can be purchased through online retailers.
- Some anime streaming services like Crunchyroll offer the movie for free with ads or for rent/purchase without ads.
So while I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is not on Netflix, fans of the anime do have other legal options to watch the romantic drama online. The availability may vary by country, though.
About the I Want to Eat Your Pancreas novel
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is based on a young adult novel of the same name written by Yoru Sumino. The book was first published in 2014 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon in Japan. Some key facts about the novel:
- Originally published as a serialized work in the Japanese literary magazine Parade in 2014.
- Published as a standalone young adult novel by Futabasha in 2014.
- Sold over 1.5 million copies in Japan by 2017.
- Ranked as Book of the Year in the 2015 Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! guidebook.
- English translation by Yen Press published in 2017.
The book received critical acclaim for its unique premise and poignant exploration of loss, mortality, and living life to the fullest. Its popularity led to both a manga adaptation and the 2018 anime film.
Plot Summary of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas
Here’s a more detailed overview of the I Want to Eat Your Pancreas plot:
The story is centered around two high school students in Japan. The protagonist is an introverted, aloof boy who keeps to himself at school and is referred to only as “Me”. One day, he stumbles upon a diary in the hospital waiting room and discovers it belongs to his cheerful, popular classmate Sakura Yamauchi.
In her diary, Sakura reveals that she has pancreatic cancer and only has a short time left to live. She explains that the title “I Want to Eat Your Pancreas” is a metaphor for her disease – that she wants to remove the pain-causing pancreas from her body. Sakura details her experiences coping with her imminent death in her diary.
Despite their very different personalities, “Me” and Sakura’s lives become intertwined after this revelation. Sakura enlists “Me” to help enact various tasks on her bucket list that she wants to complete before her death. He reluctantly agrees, moved by her spirit in facing her fate. Through their time together, the two develop a strong bond.
Sakura teaches “Me” important lessons about living fully, being true to yourself, and cherishing relationships. Though initially cynical, “Me” finds himself opening up and enjoying life more. In turn, his presence provides Sakura support and companionship during her difficult struggle.
In the end, Sakura passes away from her illness, leaving “Me” heartbroken but forever changed by their relationship. He takes solace in the memories they made together and her inspiring zest for life. The story concludes with an older “Me” finding closure by visiting the hospital where they first met.
Analysis of Key Themes
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas explores a number of profound, interrelated themes:
Mortality and Loss
A central focus is Sakura’s struggle to accept her own mortality at a young age and find meaning despite her tragic fate. The story provides an intimate look at the emotional turbulence terminal illness causes.
Living Life to the Fullest
Sakura embodies the message of treasuring each moment and living life passionately, without fear or regret. Her lust for life inspires “Me” to embrace experiences.
Finding Hope in Despair
Though the outlook is bleak, Sakura maintains an upbeat spirit. Her courage and optimism in the face of death resonates.
The Fragility of Life
The story highlights how fragile and finite life is. Sakura’s prognosis shockingly cuts short her future, reinforcing the precariousness of existence.
Intimacy Through Loss
Sharing Sakura’s final months creates unexpected intimacy between her and “Me” despite their differences. Their bond illuminates the value of relationships.
Coming-of-Age
Confronting mortality also forces young “Me” to mature, guiding him toward adulthood. He gains wisdom about what truly matters in life.
Comparison of Book vs Movie
Overall, the 2018 anime film adaptation closely follows the key storylines and themes of the original novel. However, there are some notable differences:
| Book | Movie |
|---|---|
| – Provides more extensive insight into inner thoughts/feelings of main characters | – Less focus on internal character experiences |
| – Episodic chapters cover a longer time period | – Events condensed into ~2 month period |
| – “Me” remains anonymous as protagonist | – “Me” is given name Haruki Shiga |
| – More abstract, metaphorical ending | – Somewhat more sentimental, definitive ending scene added |
The novel has more philosophical narration and chronicles a longer timeframe. The movie compacted the story and defined the protagonist but retained the emotional essence.
Reception and Reviews
Both the novel and anime film adaptations of I Want to Eat Your Pancreas received widespread acclaim:
Novel
- Over 1.5 million copies sold in Japan
- Ranked #1 on Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! 2015 list
- Received Honorable Mention in Sugoi Japan Awards 2015
- Praised for unique premise and affecting themes
Anime Film
- 4th highest-grossing domestic anime film in Japan for 2018 ($28 million)
- Won Audience Award at Scotland Loves Anime film festival
- Nominated for Anime of the Year at Crunchyroll Anime Awards
- Has 8.7/10 user rating on MyAnimeList
Both incarnations of the tragic yet uplifting story have resonated strongly with audiences. The sentimental drama has proven hugely successful and influential.
Lasting Legacy
Despite premiering relatively recently, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas has already left a lasting impact:
- Boosted “tearjerker” genre – Its success helped kick off more emotive melodramas like Your Lie in April, A Silent Voice, etc.
- Inspired live-action film – A live-action adaptation is planned for release in 2023.
- Promoted novel publisher – Helped establish light novel publisher Futabasha as a major player.
- Critic praise – Appears on lists of best light novels and best anime of the decade.
- Mainstreamed novelist – Yoru Sumino has since written other popular works.
The story’s cultural impact has rippled far beyond just the book or movie. It captured the zeitgeist and influenced the evolution of Japanese pop media.
Conclusion
While not currently available on Netflix, I Want to Eat Your Pancreas remains an acclaimed coming-of-age drama worth watching. The novel and anime film offer a poignant exploration of mortality, living in the moment, and finding hope in tragedy. Both incarnations resonated strongly with fans, making a huge splash in Japan. This unlikely tale will continue touching hearts for years to come.
