The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum

「残菊物語」
Zangiku Monogatari

35mm Presentation. The heir apparent of a renowned kabuki dynasty is encircled by flattery for his insipid performances in Mizoguchi’s beautifully tragic Meiji-era romance set in Tokyo’s bustling theater district. In line to inherit his adoptive father’s illustrious name, Kikunosuke (onnagata actor Shotaro Hanayagi in his film debut) finds companionship with his infant brother’s kindhearted wet nurse Otoku (Kakuko Mori) who does not feign praise, speaking instead with candor. Determined to distinguish himself from an inherited title, Kiku renounces his birthright to master his craft whilst remaining with the devoted Otoku. Achingly realized with flowing long takes which would soon become Mizoguchi’s stylistic trademark, The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum marked a turning point in the director’s career with its elegiac articulation of artistry and craft, achieved only through the heartrending pains of personal sacrifice.

Dir. Kenji Mizoguchi, 1939, 144 min., 35mm, b&w. With Shotaro Hanayagi, Kokichi Takada, Katsuko Mori.

Part of Shiguéhiko Hasumi: Another History of the Movie in America and Japan
Oct 9—18, 2025

© 1939 Shochiku Co., Ltd.

Film programs are generously supported by Anime NYC, ORIX Corporation USA, and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by Jono Abrams and Elizabeth Linn, Ayumi Arafune, Darin Arita and Kanako Arita, Mike Audet, Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Catanzaro, The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, Akiko Koide and Shohei Koide, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, Japan Society Film Council, and other Film supporters.

Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film Program.

Japan Society arts and culture programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).