The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum (1939)

Amidst the grandeur of Tokyo in 1888, we find Kikunosuke Onoue, an adopted son of an esteemed actor, lauded for his theatrical performances. Yet, the applause he reaps is merely the echo of his father’s celebrated legacy. Behind the curtain of admiration, whispers of his inadequate acting skills circulate within the theatre troupe. His world, built on illusions, starts to shatter when the truth is revealed by Otoku, the wet-nurse to his adoptive father's child. She, alone, is brave enough to pierce through the façade and confront Kikunosuke about his lacking artistry, yet she also expresses her unwavering faith in his potential. Stirred by her honesty and touched by her belief, Kikunosuke finds himself falling in love with Otoku. However, their blossoming bond stirs up rumours that threaten the family's reputation, leading to Otoku's dismissal and a stern prohibition on their relationship. Defying societal norms and the constraints of his privileged background, Kikunosuke chooses love over legacy and leaves home to carve out a life away from Tokyo, seeking to prove his worth on his own merits. In time, he is joined by Otoku, the beacon of truth in his life. She motivates him to hone his craft, aiming to gain the admiration of the audience and his family not as an heir but as a true artist. The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum is a tale of love, courage, and the pursuit of genuine achievement, set against the backdrop of a society bound by tradition and expectations.

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum is a drama movie featuring Shôtarô Hanayagi.

The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Plex and Plex Player and it's also available on Criterion Channel.

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