Late Chrysanthemums

The story of four ageing geishas as they struggle to make ends meet in post-war Japan, from acclaimed filmmaker Mikio Naruse.

Combining three Fumiko Hayashi stories about ageing geishas, the film focuses on Okin, the ex-geisha who has embraced the new post-war economy most successfully and singlemindedly. Former colleagues Tamae, whose son threatens to become a gigolo, and Tomi, who has a decidedly ‘modern’ daughter, live together and try to make ends meet.

With his customary emphasis on the material circumstances that shape our lives, Mikio Naruse nevertheless manages to transform the film into a moving celebration of friendship.