Crossroads Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Crossroads.
Crossroads Ending Explained: After falling in love with a courtesan, Rikiya is blinded by ash during a fight in a brothel. Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa, this 1928 drama film stars Junosuke Bandô (Rikiya), alongside Akiko Chihaya as Elder Sister Okiku, Yukiko Ogawa as Yada Onna, Minoru Takase as Man with Truncheon. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Crossroads?
After falling in love with a courtesan, Rikiya is blinded by ash during a fight in a brothel. Believing the blindness permanent and his opponent dead, Rikiya goes back home to his sister. Okiku, desperate to protect her brother who thinks himself a murderer, wants to sacrifice herself for him and become a prostitute to pay for Rikiya's treatment.
Teinosuke Kinugasa's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Junosuke Bandô (Rikiya)'s journey. Believing the blindness permanent and his opponent dead, Rikiya goes back home to his sister.
How Does Junosuke Bandô (Rikiya)'s Story End?
- Junosuke Bandô: Junosuke Bandô's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Akiko Chihaya (Elder Sister Okiku): Akiko Chihaya's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Yukiko Ogawa (Yada Onna): Yukiko Ogawa's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Crossroads Mean?
Crossroads's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Junosuke Bandô may feel rushed. Teinosuke Kinugasa's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.