Spoilers · the ending
Throne of Blood: the ending, explained
Akira Kurosawa · 1957
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
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Spoilers · the ending
Akira Kurosawa · 1957
This page gives the ending away. Not seen the film yet? Its spoiler-free guide is here.
What happens
Washizu returns to the spirit, who says he is safe until the forest moves. It does: the enemy army advances behind cut trees, and his own panicked officers turn on him, shooting him down with arrows.
The last image
The fog closes over the ruined castle site as the chorus chants its warning.
What it says
The prophecy comes true, yet no magic breaks Washizu. His own treachery returns as the betrayal of his men. The chorus makes the point: this ruin is one story among many, and it will repeat.