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The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums

1939
Drama
History
2h 28m
In Tokyo in 1885, Kikunosuke Onoue, the adoptive son of an important actor, discovers that he is praised for his acting only because he is his father's heir, and that the troupe complains how bad he is behind his back. The only person to talk to him honestly about his acting is Otoku, the wet-nurse of his adoptive father's child. She is fired by the family, and Kikunosuke is forbidden to see her, because of the gossip a relationship with a servant would cause. Kikunosuke falls in love with Otoku, and leaves home to try to make a living on his own merits outside Tokyo. (imdb)
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The Story of the Last Chrysanthemums

1939
Drama
History
2h 28m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 72.63% from 317 total ratings

Ratings & Reviews

(317)
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Rated 24 Sep 2009
84
77th
Like the other Mizoguchi film's I've seen, it's a tragic tale of the burdens placed on people, especially women, by rigid class structures and other social restrictions. It's very well done and while the arc is pretty predictable it still manages to make it feel fresh. I wish I could love it as much as I admire it, liking it a lot will have to do.
Rated 01 Mar 2008
89
82nd
# 212
Rated 18 May 2021
60
62nd
An actor isn't good enough to attract any fangirls, but one girl tells him the truth and through that inspires him to become good enough to attract fangirls aplenty, for which she remains happy even if it entails the ultimate sacrifice, while for him the show must go on. Above average melodrama, but this really is just a tearjerker and quite a predictable one at that.
Rated 04 Jul 2013
93
98th
A simple, beautiful film. Every scene shared by Hanayagi as the privilaged but talentless actor, and Mori as his muse and wife, is touchingly wonderful. The performances are brilliant, and there are several mesmeric scenes, ranging from the Kiki and Osata's first conversation, the cutting of the watermelon scene and Kiki's outburst on the train. Each is a truly wonderful piece of cinema, defined by its elegant simplicity, and the skill of a director working wonders with limited technology.
Rated 04 Feb 2008
85
73rd
This film takes place in the realm of the kabuki theatre. At first the male main character is a nice guy but a lousy actor, and he knows it. But when he goes on the road with his star-crossed lover he becomes more of a prick and starts feeding off the woman's misery, and through this he ends up being a better actor. Through this Mizoguchi makes a statement about both oppression of women (his favorite theme) and about the nature of art.
Rated 19 Nov 2011
45
23rd
null
Rated 13 Jun 2019
83
95th
This is a 2.5 hour drama and yet it just flew by. You know the movie's good if you actually get mad at the things that are happening on screen, not because its something stupid but because you've become invested in the characters. This movie just quietly sucked me in and I didn't even realize when it happened, all I know is that I got interrupted and I was shocked to discover that almost 2 hours had passed.
Rated 19 Dec 2008
89
78th
228
Rated 24 Feb 2016
17
93rd
Star Rating: ★★★★1/2
Rated 24 Feb 2019
86
40th
86.00
Rated 12 Apr 2019
8
0th
Primitive but engaging, with masterful economy. Benefits from a focused script, with every sequence—even the lavish kabuki performances—carrying the lovers' tragedy to a full conclusion.
Rated 11 Apr 2008
86
87th
I have to admit I'm a bit underwhelmed. I didn't like it as much as Mizoguchi's later work. But don't get me wrong, it's an excellent movie. The craftsmanship is wonderful, some very dramatic angles and expressive camera language (although there were a few rather dull shots too). And the acting, costumes, music is superb. The story touches on themes of loyalty and integrity in ways that are poignant. The ending is quite moving, however you can really see it coming a mile away.
Rated 17 Dec 2017
99
98th
DVD Versátil O Cinema de Mizoguchi Volume 2.
Rated 30 Apr 2021
80
68th
This is a really dazzling melodrama that gains much of it's power from Mizoguchi's slow, somewhat static style that lets the story unfold over it's 2 1/2 hour running time.
Rated 13 Jan 2010
87
74th
254
Rated 20 Jul 2022
78
66th
Very good melodrama about sacrifice, both for love and for art. Commentary on class and rigid roles as well. It didn't totally blow me away or anything, but it's incredibly solid. The restoration was not great, especially regarding sound in the shows when many sounds are being played at once(the original must have been in rough shape) which made the viewing experience less enjoyable, though that's not really the film's fault.
Rated 05 Mar 2020
91
91st
The form here so beautifully mirrors what's happening in the film--for instance, there's a stillness, a firmness in the non-movement of the camera in Kiku's home that speaks to the rigidity of their family rules. And yet, Kiku's sense of being trapped was also keeping him trapped in his poor acting. Love and hard work are operative in changing him, even if there are certain cultural requirements for any pursuit.
Rated 27 Apr 2015
80
99th
Doesn't always flow like a masterpiece, Zangiku monogatari manages to reach it's emotional climax marvelously! Kakuko Mori, as the girl unselfishly helping a popular actor develop himself artistically, does a tremendous job with in showing her affection. In many ways I wish they'd substituted more intimate scenes between her and Shôtarô Hanayagi in exchange for the theater performances. But naturally the showbiz aspect is part of why this becomes so intriguing to watch.
Rated 30 Nov 2011
87
74th
#255
Rated 19 Oct 2018
61
51st
By the time the ending came around I really had started to feel for these people and my heart was aching a bit but I do feel it took one too many detours to get there.

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