Zangiku monogatari (1956 film)

Zangiku monogatari, also known as The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum, is a 1956 Japanese drama film directed by Koji Shima. It is a remake of Kenji Mizoguchi's 1939 film of the same name, which itself was based on a novel by Shofu Muramatsu.

The film tells the story of Kikunosuke Onoe V, an adopted son of a prominent Kabuki family, who initially receives excessive praise and indulgence due to his lineage. He is, however, not truly talented. He discovers a serving girl, Otoku, is the only one who offers him honest criticism and support. Their relationship blossoms, but societal pressures and the expectations of the Kabuki world force them to confront numerous obstacles. The narrative explores themes of class differences, the sacrifices required for artistic success, and the power of genuine human connection.

While a remake, Shima's version differs from Mizoguchi's in certain aspects, reflecting the cinematic styles and social contexts of their respective eras. Shima's adaptation is generally considered to be more conventionally melodramatic than Mizoguchi's, which is known for its distinctive long takes and mise-en-scène. Despite the differing approaches, both films explore the core narrative of the Kabuki actor and the serving girl, and the difficult path to artistic integrity in a hierarchical society.