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 points out that within the novel, the narrator resides in Japan with a Christian viewpoint on life; however, the film's conclusion shows Tamura holding up his hands as he confronts gunfire. Upon its initial screening in London, viewers expressed dissatisfaction over this modified ending.