La Maison de Himiko Ending Explained: Saori is a young woman struggling to make her way in life. Directed by Isshin Inudo, this 2005 drama film stars Ko Shibasaki (Saori Yoshida), alongside Joe Odagiri as Haruhiko, Min Tanaka as Himiko, Hidetoshi Nishijima as Hosokawa. With a 6.2/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of La Maison de Himiko?

Saori is a young woman struggling to make her way in life. Her gay father, Himiko, had abandoned Saori and her mother years before. Now her father's young lover Haruhiko shows up to tell Saori that her father is dying of cancer. Still angry with her father but in need of money, Saori travels to the House of Himiko, a nursing home established by her father for gay men. Over time, a tenuous relationship begins to develop between Saori, her father, and Haruhiko.

Isshin Inudo's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Ko Shibasaki (Saori Yoshida)'s journey. Her gay father, Himiko, had abandoned Saori and her mother years before.

How Does Ko Shibasaki (Saori Yoshida)'s Story End?

  • Ko Shibasaki: Ko Shibasaki's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Joe Odagiri (Haruhiko): Joe Odagiri's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Min Tanaka (Himiko): Min Tanaka's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of La Maison de Himiko Mean?

La Maison de Himiko's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Ko Shibasaki may feel rushed. Isshin Inudo's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.