Esteemed theater director Yukio Ninagawa has signed on to direct a film version of "Hebi ni Piasu," based on the international bestseller of the same name, which has been translated into English as "Snakes and Earrings."

The original novel was the debut work of Hitomi Kanehara, who was only 20 years old when the book was published in 2003. It earned her two prestigious literary honors, the Subaru Prize for Literature and the Akutagawa Prize. Since then, it has been translated and sold in 105 countries.

The story follows the life of a 19-year-old girl named Lui, who begins to experiment with body modification after meeting her boyfriend Ama, and she impulsively decides to get her tongue split like his. Over the course of the novel, her life gradually descends into alcoholism, sadomasochistic sex, and violence.

Kanehara, who is a big fan of Ninagawa, said it was her dream to have him as the director. This will be only his fifth film.

Casting for the lead actress is underway, though it is reported that the film will contain a nude scene. Filming is expected to begin before the end of the year, with hopes to release the movie sometime in 2008. GAGA is handling distribution.