Audie Bock points out that in the novel the narrator is in Japan with a Christian view of life, while the film ends with Tamura walking, hands up into gunfire. When first shown in London, critics complained about this changed ending.
Audie Bock notes that in the novel the narrator is in Japan with a Christian outlook on life, whereas the film concludes with Tamura raising his hands to gunfire. When first exhibited in London, critics voiced dissatisfaction over this altered ending.