Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel ‘A Pale View of Hills’ to be adapted into a feature film
A new cinematic journey begins
The literary world is abuzz with the news that Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel, A Pale View of Hills, is being transformed into a feature film. This adaptation is currently in production under the direction of Japan’s Ishikawa Kei. The project is presented by U-Next, Japan’s leading local streaming service, and produced by Bunbuku in collaboration with Number 9 Films, a UK-based company known for its high-quality productions.
A cross-cultural production
Gaga Corporation will handle the film’s distribution in Japan, with an anticipated completion date in the summer of 2025. However, no international distributor or sales agent has been attached to the project yet. This adaptation follows the success of Living, another Ishiguro-scripted film produced by Number 9 Films, which earned two Oscar nominations.
A tale of memory and mystery
Gaga Corporation describes the film as a “mystery drama that unravels the secrets of a Japanese widow’s memories, crossing between post-war Nagasaki in the 1950s and England in the 1980s, at the end of the Cold War era.” The novel, published in 1982, tells the story of a middle-aged Japanese woman living a solitary life in England. When her younger daughter visits, they discuss the suicide of the woman’s older daughter and her attempts to start anew in a foreign land. Hirose Suzu, known for her roles in Our Little Sister and The Third Murder, stars as the younger daughter.
Ishiguro’s dual cultural roots
Born in Nagasaki, Japan, Ishiguro moved to the UK at the age of five. Despite being educated in the UK, he spoke Japanese at home, a duality that significantly influenced his writing. Ishiguro has often mentioned that the Japan depicted in his first two novels was largely imaginary. His third novel, The Remains of the Day, set in upper-class British society, became a literary sensation and was adapted into a film directed by James Ivory in 1993.
Director Ishikawa’s vision
Director Ishikawa Kei, known for Gukoroku – Traces of Sin and A Man, both of which premiered at the Venice Film Festival, expressed his excitement about the project. “What gave me the courage to face this great novel were the words of the author, who said, ‘I always believed that this story should be made into a film by the younger generation in Japan’,” said Ishikawa.
A powerhouse production team
Leading the producing team is Ishiguro Hiroyuki from U-Next, whose previous work includes the Cannes-premiered animation Belle by Hosoda Mamoru. Bunbuku, the production company, has an impressive portfolio, including the Cannes Best Screenplay award-winner Monster and the Netflix series The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, both directed by Kore-eda Hirokazu.
A deeper dive into the narrative
For those unfamiliar with A Pale View of Hills, the novel delves into themes of memory, loss, and cultural dislocation. The protagonist’s reflections on her past in Nagasaki and her present in England create a poignant narrative that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The film adaptation promises to capture this intricate interplay of memories and emotions, offering a visual feast for cinema enthusiasts.
Anticipation builds
As the film progresses through its production stages, anticipation builds among fans of Ishiguro’s work and cinema lovers alike. The collaboration between Japanese and British production teams highlights the novel’s cross-cultural themes, promising a rich and nuanced adaptation.
For those eager to get a glimpse of the film, keep an eye out for trailers and updates. In the meantime, you can revisit the novel or explore other works by Kazuo Ishiguro to immerse yourself in his unique storytelling style.
Explore more
- A Pale View of Hills
- Our Little Sister
- The Third Murder
- The Remains of the Day
- Belle
- Monster
- The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House
This adaptation of A Pale View of Hills is set to be a significant addition to the world of cinema, offering a fresh perspective on Ishiguro’s timeless narrative. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project unfolds.