The Pillow Book poster
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The Pillow Book

6.319952h 6mNC-17MovieDramaRomance

Nagiko has a fetish for calligraphy on the human body and meets her ideal soulmate Jerome, an English translator sent to Japan. However, once Nagiko's father's gay publisher rejoins the scene, the story is overtaken by treachery and bloodlust.

DirectorPeter Greenaway
WritersSei Shonagon·Peter Greenaway
ProducersKees Kasander·Terry Glinwood

Where to watch

JustWatch TV PlusJustWatch TV PlusJustWatch TV FreeJustWatch TV FreeHooplaHooplaFawesomeFawesomePlexPlexXumo PlayXumo Play
Availability shown for United States · rights vary by country

Cast · Directed by Peter Greenaway

VWVivian Wu
Vivian Wu
Nagiko
YOYoshi Oida
Yoshi Oida
The Publisher
KOKen Ogata
Ken Ogata
The Father
HYHideko Yoshida
Hideko Yoshida
The Aunt / The Maid
EMEwan McGregor
Ewan McGregor
Jerome
YH
Yutaka Honda
Hoki
JOJudy Ongg
Judy Ongg
The Mother
KMKen Mitsuishi
Ken Mitsuishi
The Husband
BLBarbara Lott
Barbara Lott
Jerome's Mother
LLLynne Langdon
Lynne Langdon
Jerome's sister
RGRonald Guttman
Ronald Guttman
Calligrapher
SCSamuel Leung Cheuk-moon
Samuel Leung Cheuk-moon

More from Vivian Wu · Lead actress

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More from Peter Greenaway · Director

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The Pillow Book — streaming FAQ

Which OTT platform streams The Pillow Book?

The Pillow Book is streaming on JustWatch TV Plus, JustWatch TV Free and Hoopla in United States, and available to rent or buy on Apple TV Store and Google Play Movies. It's not currently on Netflix.

Is The Pillow Book on Netflix?

No, The Pillow Book is not on Netflix in United States as of November 2026. It's currently on JustWatch TV Plus and JustWatch TV Free.

Is The Pillow Book on Amazon Prime Video?

No, The Pillow Book isn't on Amazon Prime Video in United States right now. It's on JustWatch TV Plus and JustWatch TV Free instead.

Where can I watch The Pillow Book for free?

The Pillow Book is available to stream free (with ads) on JustWatch TV Free and Hoopla in United States.

Is The Pillow Book based on a true story?

Yes — The Pillow Book is based on true events, dramatising real people and events (some details may be fictionalised for the screen).