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A Pale View of Hills

Play trailer A Pale View of Hills 2025 Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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Desperate to understand her family's past in Japan before her birth, Niki probes her mother, Etsuko, about their time in Nagasaki. Told through flashbacks, Etsuko recounts the tale of a friend she knew long ago.... Spanning the two timelines, the film is a moving and hopeful account of the generational impact of war and tragedy on one family.

Critics Reviews

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Guy Lodge Variety Ishikawa never finds a narratively satisfying way to present ambiguities that can shimmer more nebulously on the page, building to a reveal that feels overwrought and rug-pulling. May 21, 2025 Full Review Lovia Gyarkye The Hollywood Reporter The impact of A Pale View of Hills is blunted by a tendency to over-explain and flatten. Still, there are some highlights, including the relationship between Etsuko and Sachiko. May 18, 2025 Full Review Blake Simons IndieWire A Pale View of Hills doesn’t hold up to scrutiny, but it’s worth that first curious glance. Rated: B- May 18, 2025 Full Review Sarah Manvel Movies We Texted About Unfortunately the visual appeal is not matched by the complex plot, which is so convoluted it’s impossible for the actors to deliver the emotional punches the material requires. Jun 15, 2025 Full Review Hayley Croke Loud and Clear Reviews Ishikawa’s adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s debut novel is a thought-provoking meditation on memory, regret and letting go. Rated: 3.5/5 May 20, 2025 Full Review Ben Rolph Next Best Picture Some of these deficiencies are threatening enough to derail the experience of watching “A Pale View of Hills,” but the impact of the story, paired with gorgeous filmmaking, is enough to keep one engaged throughout. Rated: 7/10 May 19, 2025 Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Kei Ishikawa

Director

Suzu Hirose

Niki

Fumi Nikaidô

Actor

Yô Yoshida

Actor

Camilla Aiko

Actor

Kouhei Matsushita

Actor
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A Pale View of Hills

A Pale View of Hills (2025) A Pale View of Hills (2025) A Pale View of Hills (2025) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Desperate to understand her family's past in Japan before her birth, Niki probes her mother, Etsuko, about their time in Nagasaki. Told through flashbacks, Etsuko recounts the tale of a friend she knew long ago.... Spanning the two timelines, the film is a moving and hopeful account of the generational impact of war and tragedy on one family.
Director
Kei Ishikawa
Screenwriter
Kei Ishikawa
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
Japanese