GKIDS has announced that the animated film The Last Blossom will return to theaters on October 13, following a troubled initial run that was marred by incorrectly timed English subtitles.
What Went Wrong
The film was originally scheduled for a limited two-day engagement on August 30–31. On the first day, audience members took to social media to report that the English subtitles were running several seconds out of sync with the film. GKIDS responded by instructing theaters to pull remaining showings from sale and issue refunds to affected ticketholders. By August 31, the company had distributed a corrected DCP to theaters, though some were unable to update their screenings in time, resulting in further cancellations.
GKIDS issued a public statement addressing the situation:
“On Sunday [August 30], GKIDS became aware of a subtitling glitch in our DCP for The Last Blossom. We immediately instructed theaters to remove shows from sale and issue refunds to affected customers until we could identify and resolve the issue. On Monday [August 31], we were able to provide a corrected version of the film to theaters. While some were able to update their screenings, others were unfortunately unable to do so in time, resulting in canceled shows. We deeply apologize for this issue and to all moviegoers affected, whether you attended a screening or had one canceled. We brought The Last Blossom to cinemas because it is a distinctive and wonderfully original work, and we are sorry that we fell short of the presentation that audiences expect. GKIDS believes the theatrical experience is central to film culture, and we know the time and sacrifice fans make to share this experience together. We are currently reviewing options including makeup screenings of the corrected version, to ensure audiences can experience this special film. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to put this right.”
About the Film
The story follows Akutsu, a former yakuza serving a life sentence after a middling career in the underworld. On the night he lies dying in his cell, he reflects on the choices that led him there — the woman he loved and a child he would give everything to protect — in conversation with his only companion: a smart-mouthed flower growing out of a can. The film asks whether redemption is still within reach.
Cast and Staff
- Kaoru Kobayashi and Junki Tozuka voice protagonist Minoru Akutsu in his present and past, respectively.
- Hikari Mitsushima and Yoshiko Miyazaki voice Akutsu’s partner Nana Nagata at different stages of her life.
- Pierre Taki voices the talking Housenka flower.
The film was directed by Kinoshita, with Konomoto handling the script and original concept — the same duo behind the acclaimed 2021 anime ODDTAXI. Animation production was handled by CLAP (Pompo: The Cinéphile, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes), with concept art by Michinoku-Toge. The band cero composed the score and performed the theme song “Moving Still Life.”
Festival History and Release
The Last Blossom opened in Japan in October 2025. It competed in the Feature Film Competition at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival in June 2025, having previously been showcased in the festival’s Work in Progress section the year before.
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