The Three Treasures Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Three Treasures.
The Three Treasures Ending Explained: The legend of the birth of Shintoism. Directed by Hiroshi Inagaki, this 1959 fantasy film stars Toshirō Mifune (Prince Yamato Takeru), alongside Takashi Shimura as Elder Kumaso, Setsuko Hara as Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess, Kinuyo Tanaka as Princess Yamato. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Three Treasures?
The legend of the birth of Shintoism. In Fourth Century Japan, the Emperor's son Ouso expects to succeed his father on the throne, but Otomo, the Emperor's vassal, prefers Ouso's stepbrother, and conspires to have Ouso die on a dangerous mission he has contrived. But Ouso prevails in the mission and returns to his father's castle under a new name, Prince Yamato Takeru. Otomo plots to have the Prince sent into even greater danger, but Otomo is unaware that the gods have favored the Prince and the outcome is far from what any of them expected.
Hiroshi Inagaki's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Toshirō Mifune (Prince Yamato Takeru)'s journey. In Fourth Century Japan, the Emperor's son Ouso expects to succeed his father on the throne, but Otomo, the Emperor's vassal, prefers Ouso's stepbrother, and conspires to have Ouso die on a dangerous mission he has contrived.
How Does Toshirō Mifune (Prince Yamato Takeru)'s Story End?
- Toshirō Mifune: Toshirō Mifune's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Takashi Shimura (Elder Kumaso): Takashi Shimura's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Setsuko Hara (Amaterasu, the Sun Goddess): Setsuko Hara's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Three Treasures Mean?
The ending of The Three Treasures brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Toshirō Mifune's story may not satisfy all audiences.