Late Chrysanthemums (1954)

In the world where beauty fades and the Geisha's vibrant kimono is replaced by the cold robes of retirement, we meet Kin. Once a celebrated Geisha, Kin has smartly preserved her wealth, transforming into a ruthless money-lender. Her days now revolve around the icy business of debt collection, even from her former Geisha sisters, Tomi, Nobu, and Tamae, who are now tragically tangled in her financial web. The glittering allure of their youth has long since dimmed. Tomi and Tamae, despite being mothers, grapple with the disappointment their children have become. Life has dealt them a bitter hand, and their only solace lies in the dwindling memories of their past splendor. Simultaneously, Kin's past refuses to relinquish its grip on her. Two past lovers continue their pursuit, one she yearns to see, another she'd rather forget. But when the beloved one finally emerges from the shadows of the past, he only adds to the growing list of disappointments. In 'Late Chrysanthemums', the echo of the Geisha's song has faded, replaced by the harsh reality of time's relentless march, proving that even the most beautiful flowers wilt in the end.

Late Chrysanthemums is a drama movie featuring Haruko Sugimura and directed by Mikio Naruse.

Late Chrysanthemums is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.