What Happens at the End of A?

Roughly chronological, from 3/96 to 11/96, with a coda in spring of 1997: inside compounds of Aum Shinrikyo, a Buddhist sect led by Shoko Asahara. (Members confessed to a murderous sarin attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995.) We see what they eat, where they sleep, and how they respond to media scrutiny, on-going trials, the shrinking of their fortunes, and the criticism of society. Central focus is placed on Hiroshi Araki, a young man who finds himself elevated to chief spokesman for Aum after its leaders are arrested. Araki faces extreme hostility from the Japanese public, who find it hard to believe that most followers of the cult had no idea of the attacks and even harder to understand why these followers remain devoted to the religion, if not the violence.

Tatsuya Mori's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Hiroshi Araki (Himself)'s journey. (Members confessed to a murderous sarin attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995.

As part of the The Aum Shinrikyo Collection, the ending carries additional weight for fans following the franchise.

How Does Hiroshi Araki (Himself)'s Story End?

• Hiroshi Araki: Hiroshi Araki's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.

What Does the Ending of A Mean?

The ending of A brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Hiroshi Araki's story may not satisfy all audiences.