Introduction
“What a pathetic life.”
Akutsu, an elderly inmate serving life in prison, is on the verge of a lonely death in his solitary cell. The voice mocking him belongs to a balsam flower with an uncanny ability to talk. Through their ‘conversation,’ Akutsu begins to reflect on his past.
1987, summer. In a town by the sea, down-and-out yakuza Akutsu moves into a shabby apartment found for him by his sworn brother, Tsutsumi. Out in the yard, a balsam flower grows. Akutsu shares his new home with Nana, a woman six years his junior, and her newborn son Kensuke. From their veranda, they watch a massive fireworks display. The three of them live happily, until Akutsu suddenly finds himself in need of a huge sum of money, which leads him to join Tsutsumi in an attempt to rob their own organization’s safe of 300 million yen...
“You gotta hit a dead end to get a chance to turn it around.”
This is the tale of one man’s life, and the ones he loves.
Distributor：PONY CANYON INC.
Ⓒ此元和津也／ホウセンカ製作委員会
Director：Baku Kinoshita
Born in 1990. Active as an illustrator and animator since his time at Tama Art University. After joining P.I.C.S., he worked as an animator and assistant director on commercials and music videos. In 2021, he made his directorial debut and handled character design for the TV anime ODDTAXI, which gained significant attention. The Last Blossom (HOUSENKA) marks his first foray into directing a feature-length film. Currently affiliated with P.I.C.S. Management.
Special Feature
12/16 Post-screening Q&A
Guest: Baku Kinoshita