Today’s quick review: I Want to Eat Your Pancreas. An introverted teenager (Robbie Daymond) unintentionally makes a new friend when he meets Sakura Yamauchi (Erika Harlacher), an outgoing classmate with pancreatic disease. With only a few years left to live, Sakura is determined to make as much of her remaining time as possible. But as the end draws near, the two teens struggle with the meaning of their relationship and the prospect of dying.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a Japanese animated drama, comedy, and romance. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas follows the unlikely relationship between Sakura, a girl with a terminal illness, and “Me”, a boy who has never really lived. Beautiful animation, robust storytelling, and a bevy of touching moments make it a fulfilling look at love, death, and friendship. Its premise is not entirely unique, but its solid execution makes it well worth a watch.
Sakura’s zest for life is at the heart of the film and is responsible for its bittersweet nature. Her vibrant antics and optimistic outlook on life make her easy to like and fuel the film’s comedy, while her attempts to get Me to come out of his shell lead to a nuanced friendship that evolves over time. At the same time, her illness gives a tragic tinge to their relationship and lets the story explore mature themes of loss and acceptance.
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas hits just the right emotional notes to tell the kind of story it is aiming for. There are no frills or gimmicks, just an honest story crafted with plenty of care. Those who enjoy sentimental, bittersweet drama will get exactly what they are hoping for, and even skeptical viewers should find something to like. Those who want a romance that’s less melancholy will want to look elsewhere.
For another animated romantic drama from Japan, this one with a fantasy twist and a more elaborate plot, try Your Name. For a lower-stakes tale of love and friendship from Studio Ghibli, try Whisper of the Heart. For an American live-action movie that explores the process of dying, try The Bucket List or Seven Pounds.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for rich animation and a touching story.