I Want to Be a Shellfish

A scene from I Want to Be a Shellfish. [Photo/Agencies]

I Want to Be a Shellfish is a 2008 Japanese drama film directed by Katsuto Fukuzawa. Set during the World War II, the film tells a story of a Japanese barber being forced to fight in wars.

The barber led a plain but content life with his wife and son until 1939 when the World War II breaks out. He is forced to join the army and fight abroad. Traumatized by the cruelty and ruthlessness of war, the barber, as a lucky survivor, comes back home and hopes to lead a peaceful life. But what followed are charges of him being a war criminal, and he faces severe punishment. He and his pregnant wife attempt to make petitions, but in the end he is sentenced to death. In his will, he writes "If there is afterlife, I want to be a shellfish".

The film was nominated for three Awards of the Japanese Academy, including Best Actress in 2009.