Ishibumi is a quiet and reflective film about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the lives forever changed by it. Directed by Hirokazu Koreeda, the film is a reworking of a 1969 television program originally produced by Hiroshima Television. Rather than presenting the event through dramatic reenactments or graphic imagery, Ishibumi focuses on memory, testimony, and the lasting weight of history.

The film is built around a simple but powerful structure. It documents the names and brief life details of people who died as a result of the bombing. These names are read aloud, accompanied by still images of present-day Hiroshima. Streets, rivers, schools, and ordinary buildings appear calm and unchanged, yet they carry the invisible presence of those who once lived there. This contrast between peaceful modern scenery and the tragedy tied to it gives the film its emotional strength.

Koreeda’s approach is restrained and respectful. He avoids sensationalism and instead allows silence, repetition, and careful pacing to guide the viewer. By focusing on individuals rather than statistics, Ishibumi restores a sense of humanity to an event often discussed only in large numbers. Each name represents a personal story, a family, and a future that was lost.

As a remake, the film also raises questions about remembrance and responsibility. Koreeda preserves the spirit of the original program while bringing it to a new generation. He emphasizes the importance of listening, remembering, and acknowledging the past without turning it into spectacle.

Ishibumi is not an easy film, but it is a meaningful one. It serves as both a memorial and a reminder, asking viewers to reflect on the consequences of war and the importance of preserving historical memory. Through its simplicity, the film delivers a powerful and lasting impact.

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Stars: Haruka Ayase, Akira Ikegami