Demon Thistle Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

Demon Thistle Ending Explained: The vast majority of the commercial films made by Kinugasa in the 1920s have, like almost all Japanese films of the period, been lost. Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa, this 1927 story film stars Akiko Chihaya (Omitsu), alongside Kazuo Hasegawa as Reizaburo Namiki. With a 8/10 audience rating, the ending has been widely praised.

What Happens at the End of Demon Thistle?

The vast majority of the commercial films made by Kinugasa in the 1920s have, like almost all Japanese films of the period, been lost. Even a fragmentary survival such as Oni azami is to be celebrated – the more so since the film marked the first of many appearances by popular star Chojiro Hayashi (1908-84) in Kinugasa films. The original story of Oni azami is credited to Fred Niblo, the American director of Blood and Sand (1922) and Ben-Hur (1925). It derives from The Red Lily (1924), a Ramón Novarro vehicle that had been a great success on its release in Japan.

Teinosuke Kinugasa's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Akiko Chihaya (Omitsu)'s journey. Even a fragmentary survival such as Oni azami is to be celebrated – the more so since the film marked the first of many appearances by popular star Chojiro Hayashi (1908-84) in Kinugasa films.

How Does Akiko Chihaya (Omitsu)'s Story End?

Akiko Chihaya: Akiko Chihaya's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Teinosuke Kinugasa delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 0h 14m runtime.
Kazuo Hasegawa (Reizaburo Namiki): Kazuo Hasegawa's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.

What Does the Ending of Demon Thistle Mean?

Demon Thistle concludes with Teinosuke Kinugasa reinforcing the story themes established throughout the film. The final moments with Akiko Chihaya leave a lasting impression — the ending is both a resolution and a statement about the story's central questions.