Ondine's Curse Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of Ondine's Curse?

Seizo, a doctor, and his beautiful younger wife, Reiko. At first glance, they appear to be a respectable and amicable couple, but Seizo suspects that Reiko has a young lover. One day, the couple goes to see a new Noh play, "The Curse of Ondine," organized by a medical association. At the venue, Reiko catches the attention of a man, and even the young man at the reception desk gives her a heated look. "Reiko says, "Noh is boring," but Seizo warns her not to fall asleep, since the audience is all related. However, when the Noh play begins and Reiko looks at Seizo, she finds that he is asleep. From this point on, the world of death in the Noh play and the world of life in which the two people exist become parallel. Reality and unreality intersect as if the two are acting out a Noh play, and the secrets hidden in their daily lives begin to seep out.

Sayaka Kai's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Goro Oishi's journey. At first glance, they appear to be a respectable and amicable couple, but Seizo suspects that Reiko has a young lover.

How Does Goro Oishi's Story End?

• Goro Oishi: Goro Oishi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Hako Ohshima: Hako Ohshima's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Yo Takahashi: Yo Takahashi's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Ondine's Curse Mean?

The ending of Ondine's Curse brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Goro Oishi's story may not satisfy all audiences.