Understanding the Ending of Maboroshi: Exploring Its Complex Plot

The Mystery of Itsumi's Origin

Maboroshi follows a love story narrative with several complexities that can send you into a tizzy with its mind-bending twists and turns. But there’s no reason to fret because we are here to explain everything about the film’s complex yet intriguing plot.

Mutsumi and Itsumi from maborashi

In the alternate world where things don’t change, the little girl is found by the Sagami and Aki, the fathers of Mutsumi and Masamune, respectively. The girl arrives at the phantom world of Mifuse on a sacred train that can send Itsumi back to reality. However, after a brief discussion, Sagami convinces Aki that the little girl has been chosen by the gods to protect their world. Hence, she was held as a hostage in the steel factory for years, and Mutsumi was chosen as her caretaker.

Itsumi from Maborashi

Itsumi's Resistance to Return

Since the very beginning, Itsumi appears as someone who has grown physically but not mentally. When she shows up in the time-frozen town, she remains unaffected. However, even if her physical appearance keeps changing, she doesn’t get any mentor to help her with the mental aspects. She was forced to live in captivity for several years, and she wasn’t permitted to leave the premises of the factory. So, it’s evident that she does not get the training to act like someone her age.

Masamune and Itsumi from Maborashi

Initially, Itsumi is exposed to Mutsumi, and one day, when the latter brings Masamune to help her, the former feels a connection with him. However, Itsumi built a strong bond with teen Mutsumi and Masamune, and this became a reason for her to deny going back to her real parents.

Itsumi's Escape from the Phantom World

Since the day Masamune realized that Itsumi did not belong to his world, he decided to send her back to the real world. Mifuse was destroyed in the explosion that happened in the steel factory long ago. One day, Masamune gets a letter that his father had left for him before abandoning his family. In the letter, he reveals everything from the day he found Itsumi to the day he and Sagami decided to imprison the little girl in their world. Masamune also learns about the train that can take Itsumi back.

The path was going to be difficult as he had to face Sagami, who could go to any limit to stop Itsumi. However, he doesn’t give up, and with the help of Mutsumi, he sends Itsumi back to the place where she belongs.