October 14, 2009

• Top 5 Awesome Endings

  there are certain movies that end with such an overwhelmingly affecting climax, that are led up with careful purpose, that explode with such physical, intellectual or emotional finality, that you’re certain there was absolutely no better way to end the film, that hold you in its grasp until the very last second.  these are those films.

  there’s an inherent spoiler element to this entire list but i won’t include any details about the ending itself.  still, though, if you’re like me and are sensitive to any kind of spoiler information, then stop reading now!  i have a feeling you might have seen all these anyway.

  and by “Awesome Ending” i don’t necessarily mean “Awesome Endings with a Twist” though that might qualify. 

  
  Star Wars (1977) – this movie is so ubiquitous in common conversation that its achievements are sometimes forgotten to me.  Star Wars is the model for all Campbell-ian hero stories, ending properly with a scene of “Return” where the heroes are recognized for their accomplishments that separate them from everyone else.  the ending of this film isn’t the destruction of the Death Star — though that alone might warrant Star Wars an appearance on this list –, but the medal-award ceremony where the heroes march in a parade to receive the thanks of the people they saved, thereby enshrining themselves in the heroic pantheon.  propelled by john williams’ smashing score, this movie really couldn’t end any better.

  
  **MEGA SPOILER ALERT** don’t click if you haven’t seen the film.  really.  rent it now.  skip this link. 
  Memento (2000) – this movie’s pretty genius.  at first i thought the backward sequencing was just a useless gimmick.  very wrong.  that was the only way to tell this amazing story about a guy who can’t remember anything.  this film is a winding staircase and the final step is a doozy.

  
  Cinema Paradiso (1998) – technically, this film isn’t perfect, but the ending is.  it’s sweet and sentimental, and, quite frankly, on a more personal note, it reminds me of at least one thing that i enjoy completely: movies.

  Rocky (1976) – of course, it’s extremely shmaltzy, but i’m not sure any great underdog film shouldn’t be shmaltzy.  out of context, the swooning score and a baying Stallone might seem overdone, but in context…  do you remember the first time you saw this film end?  if you didn’t cheer for this loveable loser, then you, sir, have no heart. 

  Oldboy (2003) – one of the greatest reveals in my cinematic history.  some movies get too cute in their wind up to the conclusive “reveal” resulting in me simply not giving a shit by the time it arrives.  not so here.  i soaked in every step and nearly shit myself when it finally happened. 

  Honorable Mentions:
  Some Kind of Wonderful – anyone remember the Lick the Tins version of Can’t Help Falling in Love that played at the conclusion of this one?  it’s awesome.  and here it is! 
  Dead Poets Society
  The Natural – i kind of love the ending to this with its situation, and the music and the lights, etc.  it was a toss up between this and Rocky, because i didn’t want to put up two sports movies.
  The Blair Witch Project – great wind up to an abrupt and totally fucking frightening ending.
  Thelma and Louise – really, what is this film without its signature ending? 
  The Usual Suspects – really not the best film in retrospect, but i still enjoyed the ending a lot. 
  The Shawshank Redemption – i hope…   (thanks, aegie!)

  • 9:26 am
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