Last Scene

Young film star Ken Mihara is about to fall from stardom. His rise as a celebrity is solely credited to his onscreen counterpart, Keiko, who recently announced her retirement from acting in order to get married. Feeling frustrated and helpless, Ken turns to alcohol as he begins to provoke fights, attempts to lure a girl into bed, and argues with his wife, who came to visit him at the studio. Although he's past his prime, he still manages to infuse a young filmmaker with the motivation to pursue her dreams as a director.

Directed by Hideo Nakata, Last Scene leans on a strong ensemble — Hidetoshi Nishijima, Kumiko Aso, Mayumi Wakamura — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2002.