The Last Rose of Shanghai

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses drug addiction, domestic violence, and misogyny as well as its graphic depictions of violence and death. It also discusses racism and antisemitism.

Music is a multi-faceted motif, communicating emotion and supporting multiple themes. Ernest and Aiyi’s initial connection is through their love of music, specifically jazz. Hearing Ernest play for the first time, Aiyi has a spiritual experience, leading her to hire Ernest and creating the foundation for her interest in him. To express his devotion to Aiyi, Ernest plays her favorite song, “The Last Rose of Shanghai.” While locked in her room and separated from Ernest, Aiyi imagines jazz songs in her mind. After Aiyi concludes that her love for Ernest is the reason that Yamazaki attacked her club and after she gives birth to their daughter while separated from Ernest, she thinks that she hears warped and disorienting music. Music is thus crucial to the theme of The Challenges and Rewards of Cross-Cultural Connection, namely through the lens of Ernest and Aiyi’s relationship. It is a point of connection, in which different genres and sounds interact, and it allows Aiyi and Ernest to express their feelings for each other despite cultural differences.