Of all the overused tropes in the romance genre, terminal illness is one of them. Death, however, isn’t controversial as much as the treatment of the theme. I Want to Eat Your Pancreas is one such example of its treatment of illness. The film’s portrayal of a grave illness contrasts with John Green’s masterpiece The Fault In Our Stars. And there’s more to it.
Green’s movie outlines the complexities associated with the theme. With a sensitive approach, the movie was able to portray grief and loss. On the other hand, the animated movie failed to garner empathy.
Through its controversial move, the film made a complete mockery of terminal illness. Moreover, the author’s approach to death is rather insensitive. What could have been a tragic moment was reduced to a cheap move. In this aspect, Green’s story takes the cake through its sensibility.
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas is less of a tragedy and more of a mockery
Based on the novel of the same name, I Want To Eat Your Pancreas was released in 2018. Directed by Shinichiro Ushijima the movie is highly praised for its animation and visuals. Amidst its popularity and high ratings, the film failed to capture the essence of grief and loss. Especially through the authors’ killing of Sakura’s character. There is, however, more to it than meets the eye.
Yoru Sumino incorporates the overused trope of terminal illness in his novel. This is true with Five Feet Apart which blends a terminal illness such as cystic fibromyalgia with mushy romance. What Sumino does is horrid considering the gravity of the illness. His story does stand out from other romance films but not in a good way.
Sakura’s death would have imbued the novel with tragedy and intensity. Rather than a poignant farewell, she is killed off through stabbing. It invalidates her struggles as a cancer survivor.
On top of that, it is a cheap move that makes a complete mockery of tragedy. Compared to Sumino’s work, John Green exemplifies the tragic trope. Especially through his sensitivity and understanding of loss.
The Fault In Our Stars is a sensitive yet tragic portrayal of human existence
The Fault In Our Stars remains an iconic romance film even a decade after its release. Directed by Josh Boone, the movie stars Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort. Woodley and Elgort play the role of Hazel and Augustus in the film.
The story follows the journey of Hazel in rediscovering life and love. The transient nature of life is beautifully explored in the movie. The movie, however, takes the cake in its sensible portrayal of life and death. And there’s more to it.
Hazel and Augustus’ relationship redefines the idea of love and intimacy. What sets it apart from other tragic romance stories is the reminder. The reminder of the ever-looming and ever-present death. The tragedy isn’t imbued by killing off the characters.
But a rather realistic portrayal of loss, grief, and suffering. Augustus’ death is more of a sacrifice of their love which wrings out tears from readers and viewers. In this aspect, however, Sumino failed miserably.
Both films are common in their core idea of a tragic romance. However, where one fails, the other stands out in terms of sensible portrayal. Despite his problematic approach to tragedy and illness, Sumino’s work remains popular.
I Want To Eat Your Pancreas and The Fault In Our Stars are available for streaming on Netflix.
