I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is a heartbreaking yet beautiful anime movie that explores life, love, and the fleeting nature of time. It tells the story of an introverted boy and a cheerful girl with a terminal illness, whose unexpected friendship changes both of their lives. With its emotional depth, stunning animation, and powerful message about living life to the fullest, this movie leaves a lasting impact on anyone who watches it.

Movie Details
Title | I Want to Eat Your Pancreas |
---|---|
Director | Shinichiro Ushijima |
Studio | Studio VOLN |
Release Date | September 1, 2018 |
Runtime | 108 minutes |
Genre | Drama, Romance, Slice of Life |
Language | Japanese (with English subtitles and dubbing) |
IMDb Rating | 8.1/10 |
Review Count | 29,000+ |
IMDb Link | IMDb |
Movie Explanation
The story follows a quiet, reserved high school boy who prefers to keep to himself. One day, he accidentally finds a diary belonging to his popular and cheerful classmate, Sakura Yamauchi. To his shock, he discovers that she is secretly suffering from a terminal pancreatic illness and only has a short time left to live.
Instead of pitying her, he remains indifferent, which intrigues Sakura. She invites him to spend time with her, and despite his reluctance, he agrees. As they begin to spend more time together, Sakura’s vibrant personality starts to influence him, teaching him to open up and experience life more fully.
They share moments of laughter, deep conversations, and an unspoken bond that grows stronger with each passing day. Despite knowing her fate, Sakura remains positive, embracing every moment with joy. She encourages him to step out of his comfort zone, helping him experience emotions he had never acknowledged before.
As their friendship blossoms, he begins to realize how much Sakura has changed him. However, just when it seems like they have more time together, tragedy strikes in an unexpected way, leaving him devastated. In the aftermath, he finally understands the meaning of Sakura’s words and the impact she had on his life.
The movie ends on a deeply emotional note, showing how Sakura’s presence continues to live on in his heart, inspiring him to live his life more openly and fully, just as she wished.
Cast
Character | Japanese Voice Actor | English Voice Actor |
---|---|---|
Sakura Yamauchi | Lynn | Erika Harlacher |
Haruki Shiga | Mahiro Takasugi | Robbie Daymond |
Kyoko | Yukiyo Fujii | Kira Buckland |
Takahiro | Yuma Uchida | Kyle McCarley |
My Honest Review
I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is an emotionally powerful movie that beautifully blends heartwarming moments with deep sorrow. While the title may sound unusual, it holds a significant meaning within the story, adding to its depth.
The film excels in its character development, particularly in how the protagonist changes due to Sakura’s influence. The contrast between her bright personality and his reserved nature makes their relationship truly special. The emotional impact of the story is further amplified by breathtaking animation and a touching soundtrack.
This movie is not just about love and loss—it’s about cherishing every moment and living without regrets. If you enjoy emotionally moving anime like Your Lie in April or A Silent Voice, this film is a must-watch. However, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
What the Movie Teaches Us
- Life is unpredictable – We never know how much time we have, so we should make every moment count.
- Open your heart to others – Even a single connection can change your entire perspective on life.
- Memories live on – Even when someone is gone, the impact they leave behind stays forever.
Trailer
FAQ
Q: Why is the movie called I Want to Eat Your Pancreas?
A: The title is based on a Japanese belief that eating a specific organ can heal that same organ in your own body. It symbolizes Sakura’s wish to live on in someone else.
Q: Is this movie based on a book?
A: Yes, it is adapted from a novel written by Yoru Sumino.
Q: Is the movie different from the novel?
A: The movie stays mostly true to the novel but condenses some details. There is also a live-action adaptation with slight differences.
Q: Where can I watch I Want to Eat Your Pancreas?
A: The movie is available on platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime.