Story of the Last Chrysanthemums (Zangiku monogatari)

1939, 115 min., 16 mm, b&w. In Japanese with English subtitles.

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. Written by Yoshikata Yoda and Matsutaro Kawaguchi. Cinematography by Shigeto Miki and Yozo Fuji. Music by Shiro Fukai. With Kakuko Mori, Shotaro Hanayagi, Yoko Umemura, Gonjuro Kawarazaki. Print courtesy of The Japan Foundation with permission from Janus Films and Home Vision Entertainment. 

Kenji Mizoguchi chronicles the selfless devotion and invincible will of a maid pushing a spoiled young actor to develop his craft and rise to the top ranks in kabuki. This masterpiece is about a woman’s love, Mizoguchi’s favorite subject matter, and is portrayed in his detailed yet powerful cinematic style. It also offers insight into the world of kabuki in the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

Tickets: $10; Japan Society members, seniors & students $5.