What a crappy ending! - Dogfight (1991) Discussion

[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] simest 17 years ago

With you all the way rikki-j. The ending fit the rest of the movie perfectly. The two character's had shared some time together and discovered how different their perspectives and values were from each others. However, by the time Birdlace departs, they have developed an understanding and respect for each other - and that understanding and respect is very much still intact upon his return from Vietnam.
Hence when they reunite, there's no abundant need for words, clarification, explanation or enhancement. Each fully understands the other in the pain and compassion they share in that moment. The silence speaks louder than any other means of depiction.
In it's realisation, it is also perhaps the most un-Hollywood reunion of two lovers ever put to film - and is indeed all the better for it.

And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] fremay02 17 years ago

I was quite disappointed by the end I must admit, I know River wasn't happy with the end product he said it was ruined by an editor?? but I still absolutely love the film.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] Kingdom_For_A_Kiss 17 years ago

At first, I thought that the ending was sort of lame, but I watched it again, and it seemed to really fit it.

"...I don't want to let you go, and I don't want to lose you slowly..."

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[–] boopkin2002 17 years ago

i understand the ending and how it fits in. or at least i think i do. i think its meant to represent that after everything hes lost from going to war ;ie: his friends he realises that what he shared with rose is what he has to go back for. i think it hits home for him how much she means to him. i have a long distance relationship and when i see my boyfriend the first hug says more than a thousand words. i think the way the hug is portrayed is very real considering the amount of time they've spent apart and theres a lot of emotion in that shot. i think its a perfect ending. actions speak louder than words.

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[–] 17 years ago

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[–] calliope3 17 years ago

No. This is one of the most beautiful endings ever. Both characters say all they need to by their respective facial expressions. The pain in Eddie's eyes especially spoke volumes.

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[–] de-mensa_the_brilliant 17 years ago

i think the ending is beautifully haunting. you have this marine who has been through and seen so much, and then come back to a completely different world where people are treating him like hes the villain. hes so haunted by what has happened and so lost in this new world and he fins the one place he can take comfort in. all he needs is that physical contact. i loved it

"If I was starving, would you buy me pants?"- EM
"Bull True!!"- CC
RIP River Phoenix

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[–] vaskovvaskov3 17 years ago

Are you stupid? Maybe not, but definately this type of film is not for you.

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[–] entertainme5 16 years ago

Obviously their hugging and her not saying anything about him not writing her meant that they are destined to be together.

She cares for him and understands him and he does, too.

They just clicked and got each other.

The ending is kind of what you want it to be but for the most part, yes, they will be together.

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[–] fremay02 16 years ago

I found it a bit too quick but it was still incredibly moving.

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[–] sparselykate 16 years ago

Yes I can see why you'd be disappointed, I was too but only in the sense I wanted to know more more more!

I think we have to take the assumption that he came back to her; he was ready to let her love him.

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[–] Dea-voNod88 16 years ago

I love the ending! its so poignant... words arent necessary.
They are both such great actors, all is expressed in there eyes

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[–] 16 years ago

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[–] TheMisanthrope 15 years ago

"He got rid of her number- so obviously wasnt THAT infatuated by her"

No, he was. He liked her which is why he spent time with her, tried to warn her about the dogfight, etc.. and later returned.

The tearing up the her address isnt to show that he didnt care, but that being with Rose and with "the boys" about to go off to war - were 2 different worlds that couldnt coexist with each other.

I hate romantic movies. Most of them are generic crap, but have always loved this film since I first saw it way back inthe early 90s.

Great film and yes...a great ending. One of my all time favorites in fact.Its beautiful and very sweet (Ugh! I cant believe I just said that)

"God Hates Us All"

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[–] cristalle1 15 years ago

The ending was what it was and although I would have wanted more, I thought it was fitting. No words were needed. Although the ending was abrupt, it was lovely and romantic in its simplicity and its promise...

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[–] thenicnic 15 years ago

"Was anyone else disappointed by it?"

Nope! To the contrary, it is my fave all time ending ever!!! More than words.

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[–] Davidux 14 years ago

The ending was ambiguous, at least in tems of how Rose felt. I am not sure if it was the way Lili Taylor acted in the scene, but the shots of her face while she is hugging River show uncertainty. She does not seem happy to see him. It's obvious that his character needed - and wanted - to see her, but she appeared to be not very thrilled during the hug.

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[–] nike_de 14 years ago

Love the ending, When Birdlace came back from the war he realizes things have pretty much changed lot and the war left him nothing but also take his past away. The hug ending may mean that only love remains.

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[–] chas437 13 years ago

I disagree completely. I see in her face a deep sympathy and understanding for what he has gone through. Some things are left unsaid. For me the ending was perfectly clear in the context of the times.

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