Ending of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg"

[@cos2mer2]

I was 18 when I fell in love with this film. I'm now a great grandmother. Nothing has changed in me except my hair color.........

[@gaborgredely1848]

Ez a film is számomra is emlékezetes.1963 decemberében születtem. Apám bátyja 1956 emigrált, majd beállt az idegen légióban. Harcolt Algériában. Amikor ez a filmet gyerekként láttam apám akkor mondta el,hogy a testvére is járt Algériában. Sajnos nálunk ezt családi titokként kellett kezelni. Nagybátyám sosem jöhetett haza. ❤❤❤❤

[@michaelkalinski5061]

When the same story coinside with you at the young age just in different country and under different circumstances, you will never able to forget, the film will stay in your heart and will remind you about the vulnerable time when you were in love and betrayed.

[@valentinaj3058]

😅​@@michaelkalinski5061

[@kennethrobertson8730]

So existentialist an ending, with nothing explained or resolved. So FRENCH. But beautiful, so well cast , so well acted and such a score. J'adore!

[@Autotrope]

I feel as if it's perfectly resolved. Seeing Genevieve again was the resolution he needed. They both silently acknowledge that they settled for their second choice and there is still pain for both of them around that, but in that moment where she asks if he wants to meet her daughter, he resolves to himself that he wouldn't want his life any other way than it is now, and that he is happy with his life with Madeleine and his son, and his gas station. If we compare this to La La Land, which recreates that same moment, it did not sit nearly as well for me as a resolution to the story. We never really saw how or why she met her new husband and don't feel involved in that process, we don't know if she loves him or regrets her life or anything, and despite Ryan Gosling's otherwise great acting his expression leaves it too hard to tell what he is getting out of this chance encounter and how he feels about the turn his life took. Also I don't think those two were as invested in each other in the first place as Genevieve and Guy so losing each other felt like it meant less.

[@davegibbs6423]

There is total resolution. Keep watching.

[@Αικατερίνη-υ6β]

Un très beau film

[@michaelkalinski5061]

The same happened in Ukraine, so it as French, as Ukrainian or any other European country. Love is everywhere love and betrayal is everywhere is the betrayal.

[@lepetitchat123]

Both are wooden actors who played their parts with very little visible emotion

[@kannohiroshi177]

Many people talk about songs, actors and story, but let me focus on use of colors. Throughout the movie use of vivid primary colors (such as red, orange, blue and green) is quite impressive. But in this ending scene, the director chose monotone -- white and black. White snow, white gas station, black car, and Catherine dressed in black. Brilliant choice of colors for this sad ending.

[@secondstring]

Well stated.

[@scribe56]

And notice though the primary colors of his son's raincoat and his wife's scarf. Maybe that tells us that he should look for his happiness there.

[@Zeppolino100]

You are a very keen observer. As a painter, I have long admired the brilliant use of color throughout this breathtaking work of art.

[@pepelemoko01]

The film restoration to digital must have been hard, trying to get the shade of colours off film stock.

[@WoodlandPoetry]

Amen to that. And it makes it even more striking as Christmas is usually considered the most colorful time of the year. Great observation on your part!

[@monstafia]

We watched this in our music theory class as we had nothing to do and our teacher thought this would be a good watch. It was. Two people in my class broke down in tears and applauded at the end. I'm not one to cry at movies, but I was so damn close to crying at the end of this.

[@torigoth7487]

RIP Nino Castelnuovo. Forever cemented through this masterpiece of a movie.

[@adisgolos7705]

Masterpiece by Jacques Demy. Equally brilliant music by Michel Legrand. The most romantic petrol station ever. I can't imagine today's directors to dare to put "super or regular" "or "do you want me to fill it up" in the middle of one of the most heart-wrenching endings ever. Only master can do that.

Sometimes this kind of interruptions makes it all have sense in the storyline

[@namehere8433]

"super or regular?" is the gist of the film

[@davemattia]

The gas attendant is talking about her heart's memory of all this - Super or regular - how do you want me to fill it? It's very symbolic

[@jonathanokeefe9783]

I think there is so much clever subtext in so many of these seemingly throwaway lines in this scene: "Super or regular?' to which Genevieve replies 'it doesn't matter to me' - i think it's a metaphor for their love story - when faced with the choice of 'super love' (Guy) or 'regular love' (Roland), she went with the option that was most convenient at the time: Roland. I could be totally wrong , of course, but it makes sense to me.

[@fobesq]

One of the best films ever. Michel Legrand should have gotten an oscar for this. The music is unforgettable.

[@andrewlipian913]

AMEN Oscars lost their clout long ago anyway

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

Oscars very rarely recognise foreign films, it only took them 90 years to give the Best Film Oscar to a foreign film (Parasite).

[@andrewlipian913]

@@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747 that is most sad.

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

@@andrewlipian913 It sucks, I recently watched Michael Haneke's Amour and was moved by Emmanuel Riva's touching performance, yet the Oscars awarded Jennifer Lawrence's performance from Silver Linings Playbook which I think was decent at best.

[@andrewlipian913]

@@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747 It is the tragic, revolving door of Oscar prejudice that it does not consider "foreign" films under the same standard as domestic ones, even when those foreign ones are so far superior. I suppose power begets preference, but it is a great pity that preference is artistically inept in choice.

[@davidmecoli3979]

One of the most emotionally devasting endings of all time. The couple still have so much to say but it’s too late , too late now. Guy understands that although it breaks his heart. The second he simply shakes his head saying no contains a lifetime of answers Genevieve will never forget.

[@kryptonbear]

One of the most exquisite scenes ever on film. The whole thing was shot as if inside a snow globe. Beautiful, just beautiful.

[@MsSlucyna]

The first snow just starts to fall down where I am now...

[@namakudamono]

La La Land was entertaining, but it cannot hold a candle to Cherbourg - a flawless masterpiece.

[@EmmelineSama]

How I loathed her mother. But, I understand what a scandal it was back then. Of course. She had to get security, even if she doomed their love by marrying while he was away..

[@fromis.9]

Umbrella was pretty crappy

[@g4joe]

@@fromis.9 perhaps you would prefer this kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2nIeopseLNpaM0 Gary Moore, similar tune?

[@fromis.9]

@@g4joe make worst, too much guitar. I love the finale song. And the jazz inbetween. But singing every line seems ridiculous

[@g4joe]

@@fromis.9 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2qpXp95maukgtE I will wait for you. How about this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYmXcoyratJlodE Michel legrand

[@jlasf]

The moment where she recognizes him - at 2:27 in video - is a killer. Deneuve does a spectacular job of acting in that instant. In a moment, she recognizes him and her glance freezes. It's so subtle - and perfect.

[@robertoalsina3949]

Fué una de las mejores actrices de esa época de oro del cine francés.Con un gesto apenas...trasmitía una serie de emociones sin mediar palabra.. maravillosa!!

[@TahoeSnowbird]

I believe this was the movie debut for Catherine Deneuve. She was gorgeous and so perfect for the role.

[@sarcasticsugar4466]

One of my all time favorite films! Now that I am older, I have to say - the ending is perfect, they are with the right people for them.

[@rawmark]

D'accord. I agree completely with what you said.

[@ninas992]

Yes agreed!

[@offbeatblackgerl8360]

But they only chose them because of the circumstances. She didn't like her husband, her mother did. He didn't want that girl, he just settled.

[@jackdonohue7893]

@@offbeatblackgerl8360 disagree, you can tell he looks happy with her. As the final shot of the film proves. He moved on. Maybe not completely, of course... nobody ever moves on from your first love... but he really did love his wife.

[@maryvonneseveno]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@juilliardpark]

When she asks "Do you want to see her?" and he shakes his head "no", it just tears me apart every time.

[@florencebarnes7646]

Salaud.... but not of his own making. Salaud...mais pas de sa faute...

[@dgib1694]

So many different interpretations of this scene in the comments, and they are all valid! That is why this ending is great

[@pippajones2439]

I must have seen Les Parapluies thirty times in the cinema but this scene always reduces me to floods of tears. Merci Demy, Legrand, les acteurs etc.

[@camillesamples8790]

I tear up just hearing the music.

[@KathleenLazarski-zm3ti]

Sad because little girls love and need their dad's. Left me feeling down 7:03

[@ArizonaAirspace]

The last scene says it all. When Genevieve asks him if he is well, as he answers her he looks down. He cannot bear to tell her , no he is not OK, and that he still loves her and always will. You never forget your first love. True love only comes once, if at all.

[@Autotrope]

But at the same time, there's no way he would want to give up what he has now for Genevieve or her daughter anymore. He can still hurt from losing her but it doesn't mean he wants to have her back now that the water has gone under the bridge.

[@Zeppolino100]

Having rewatched this scene carefully many times, I interpret this portion differently. Yes, at first he looks down when she asks him if he is OK, but only for a moment. When he speaks, he looks directly at her and the answer is that he is 'very good'.' He has discovered that one CAN love again, in a more complete and mature way. Head over heals passion, such as the two lovers had at the movie's start always eventually fades. He has made the better choice for him, and Genevieve is fooling only herself if she believes she would be happier with Guy.

[@elaineen1]

Love can come at many times. You just have to be open to it.

[@Inara590]

The last scene means that he is a happy man because he is able to love. Even though he’s poor, he has more than she does. He doesn’t regret what he had lost. She’s the one who doesn’t have happiness because she traded love for something else.

[@EmmelineSama]

@@Zeppolino100 only wish their daughter could've gotten to know her real father though..

[@simonklausen8517]

This is my favourite movie musical of all time. It has absolutely no flaws. It is so delightful, but at the same time incredibly heart breaking, especially this scene and the farewell at the train station scene. Absolutely beautifully directed, amazing music, everything I could ask for in a movie, not just a movie musical.

[@rawmark]

d'accord.

[@g4joe]

Another fine ending? kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu4mZ-IpKd_bq8 Allways look on the bright side of life.

[@g4joe]

@Randy White Ah Randy, ain't that the truth.

[@It9LpBFS37]

Masterpiece of neorealism. This ending seals magnificently the entire point of the movie and the movement it represents. These last 5 minutes break all hope of classical musical and say with such grandiosity "Don't even think about it, I am part of Nouvelle Vague". It shouldn't end any other way.

[@baadpuddytat]

I first saw this about 10 years ago at the Film Forum in New York. At least half the audience was French, and they sang along with the love theme. The ending left everyone in that tiny theater sobbing. That day, it became one of my favorite films ever, it still is, and I still weep every time.

[@kennedydry1632]

Love never dies. People get separated, their feelings become cold, they act as strangers to each other... but all the love they gave will forever resonate. Love is bigger than us. Love is eternal ultimate life.

[@TahoeSnowbird]

When you find the love of your life, he or she will forever owns your heart.

[@teejaymz742]

Saw this movie back in the early nineties in the theatre. Had no idea what I was in for and was mesmerized. Beautiful musically, visually, and dramatically. Thanks for posting.

[@Anna-Gunilla1792]

I saw this on TV when I was too young, around 7. I cried myself to sleep all night after seeing it.

[@carolynpefley2596]

If it weren't for the swelling, magestic music at this ending, it would just be another sad but true ending to a simple love story. The music makes you cry, and Michel LeGrand knew it. He did it purposely, and said so.

[@filmswithjovi]

4 years late to reply to this, but yes, one of the most emotional pieces of music I've ever heard - hits me everytime. Even after one viewing, this image and music was ingrained in my mind.

[@edwardtodd9734]

And yet kitch!

[@cindychristian1700]

@@filmswithjovi I was disappointed with the end of this movie! I like happy endings! This ending reminds me of Splendor in the Grass! Sad!!!

[@Autotrope]

And the same music was recycled for that famous ending of that Futurama episode too. Though this movie did it better of course.

[@g4joe]

@@cindychristian1700 A happy ending for you Cindy kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXu4mZ-IpKd_bq8 Allways look on the bright side of life.

[@Zeppolino100]

What is so great about this ending is that it combines in equal measure a high note of happiness and sadness. The hero is blessed in the end to be with a woman who loves and adores him. He clearly adores his son, and at the very least is quite pleased with his marriage. On the other hand his first love has had to accept a marriage of convenience with a man who adores HER. Clearly in this final scene she is still totally in love her former boyfriend, upset to learn he is no longer single.

[@eboli7146]

Well said!! I think what is also so heartbreaking is the unknown, the unresolved "what if" that life circumstances prevented them from finding out together... while Genevieve arguably suffered less than Guy by making her own decision and taking a materially comfortable life, she however will forever be reminded of the "what if" by their child.

[@Zeppolino100]

@@eboli7146 Thank you for your thoughtful reply and new thoughts!

[@eboli7146]

@@Zeppolino100 I just love this movie, it's so rewatchable and thought provoking...

[@Zeppolino100]

@@eboli7146 Me too! Had to buy it so that I could. The final scene alone is worth every penny. I hope you have seen the restored version which faithfully recaptured the creative colors that were so important to the Director's Concept.

[@eboli7146]

@@Zeppolino100 I watched it online on the Criterion Channel, which I understand is the restored version. Love love love it. Are you Italian by the way?

[@rosslavel]

Danielle Licari deserves more credit as the singing "voice" of Catherine Deneuve. She later was the soloist of Saint Preux's "Concerto pour une Voix".

[@BelAge]

Thank you for that little bit of information. Concerto pour une Voix was one of my fave growing up.

[@bkohatl]

One of the rare movies where everything works. I describe it as an Impressionist painting put on film.

[@WoodlandPoetry]

Thank you. I was wondering who that was. She sings with such emotion in her voice.

[@angelifiona513]

She was also Aurora from Sleeping Beauty in the French version

[@listen2music811]

True!

[@ArizonaAirspace]

The final scene never fails to bring tears to my eyes. You don’t know what I am talking about unless you too have lost your first love in the distant past when we were young.

[@michaelkalinski5061]

60 years later the film makes me react the same way you do for the same reason.

[@スパイダースユニット]

すべての映画の中で一番好きなラストシーンです。泣けます。

[@BoyzInTheHoo]

The most beautiful Love movie of all time. Takes me back to a time i never lived in. Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful 😢😊

[@juilliardpark]

Probably one of the most exquisite films ever made - tender, touching, knowing...

[@jnieminen2]

Amazing movie, amazing scene. Notice how the guy is asking if she wants "super" or "regular" gasoline and the woman can't decide. If you've seen the movie you know that she chose rich man (super) instead of this gas station owner (regular guy). Ingenious!

[@antoine4213]

Yup, Nice catch !

[@WoodlandPoetry]

I always thought the rich man was sort of hoisted upon her because she was pregnant. Her mother had a lot to do with that choice.

[@birgip.m.1236]

I think wanting / choosing material "stability" & "predictability" is "regular" And Choosing love & mystery is "Super"

[@silvanusslaughter]

Thanks for posting. Such a great timeless film. I hope Hollywood never tries to touch or deform it.

[@victoriacosec3428]

this movie broke my heart

[@1Rabih]

me too dear... breaks my heart each time i see it...

[@camillesamples8790]

Such an emotion movie. Just hearing the music makes my heart break.

[@lovescoffee7189]

Me too. Because they are separated due to circumstances that is neither's fault. She suffers terribly when pregnant and waiting for Guy to return. Then she doesn't hear from him due to an injury in the war and pressure from her mother who is financially strapped to marry a wealthy man who does seem to care for her, you can see the misery in her face when she marries Roland because it is Guy she loves. I have always felt upset that Guy is cool to her in that last scene and how he doesn't want to see his own child. But when he returns from the war, he suffers too to know she married another man and she and her mother are no longer in Cherbough with the umbrella shop gone. Madeleine has helped him recover from the war and accepting the death of his aunt, so he did move on and seems happy. I always felt Genevieve is the one who is harmed the most, and the film only lets us know she is living a wealthy life by her appearance but Guy doesn't even ask her how she is, which she does ask him. He is bitter toward her. She doesn't get to explain. It was not what she willingly chose, and both characters suffer greatly as a result of circumstances. Devastating final scene for me, because that little girl is his child just as much as the son he adores.

[@camillesamples8790]

@@lovescoffee7189 I agree. That was a difficult scene. Genevieve was young and pressured by her mother. I would have liked for them to profess their love for each other and for him to see the child. But then what? They are both married to other people. I like to think that one day the little girl finds her father. It's such an emotional movie. My heart breaks every time I just hear the music.

[@michaelkalinski5061]

My heart breaks every time I hear the music - exactly the same...

[@djmotise]

An unbridled masterpiece.

[@itsleila91]

I just love reading all the different points of view on this ending scene so I'm sharing mine :) To me, this ending shows that the story is giving Guy the advantage, he is actually the "winner" at the end of the day. We see him happy with his family plus he's fulfilled his dream of owning a gas station. Yet, we know nothing about Geneviève's marriage (apart from having a rich husband). The only thing we know from her life is that she just lost her mother, which is a sad news. Eventually, the fact that it is snowing at the end of the movie to me shows that their season of love is in the past. The season of umbrellas is over for good, for the shop that closed a long time ago and now for their love

[@lafayette7175]

I dont necessarily see Guy as a winner in all of this ; watch his face as Madeleine leaves the store, he doesn't look to happy or fulfiled , when she tells him " I love you " he doesn't respond and kisses her instead , when Geneviève asks him if he's okay , his answer , given after he looks at the floor , sounds more like a lie than a truth.Finaly , when Geneviève leaves , not only does he look at her go back to her car , but slowly approaches the gas station door , keeping her in sight until the very last moment. I really can't tell if he is angry at her , in which case you are right ; he is a winner in all of this , or if he realised the love of his life is married to another man and he , much like her , had to settle for someone else.

[@itsleila91]

@@lafayette7175 That's true, I realized that and Madeleine is definitely the second best choice. But he seems to be in a good place after Algeria + Geneviève's betrayal, he managed to move on with his life and made a pretty good one for him. I secretly hope Guy and Geneviève got back together 30 ou 40 years later though

[@landrykendrick1346]

Just watched this for the first time. Good lord, the way I Will Wait for You evolves throughout the movie is so heartbreaking. The way that theme and song evolved from happy and youthful to melancholy and bittersweet at the end hit me like a score hasn't in awhile. PERFECT encapsulation of the story of the movie. There are much sadder stories out there, but that feeling of what could have been can hit just as hard, especially with music like that. Bravo Michel Legrand. Masterpiece.

[@jacobharris4838]

Perfect ending to an amazing film.

[@MHGdeO]

I always cry to this

[@karstenfriis12]

me too!

[@loge10]

+Michel Harfuch I don't cry but I'm always deeply moved - but perhaps for different reasons. I personally think he ended up with the right woman...

[@MHGdeO]

I do not think neither Genevieve nor Guy ended up being happy. They just carried on with their lives.. So utterly sad. How many of us hasn't been there? :(

[@rawmark]

Guy was very happy and you see him go out and greet his wife and start tossing snowballs to his son. He was ok with how everything had ended up. If you remember, Catherine asked Guy if he would like to see his daughter and he said no. I think Genevieve was sadder because, as she mentioned, it was her first time passing through Cherbourg for many years. And also, she had just lost her mom. So she had lost more. The mother, who came between her and Guy, and she had lost Guy. But Guy really hadn't lost. He had started and was running a successful business, had a loving wife and an adorable son. And he had no regrets. Watch it again and I'll bet you'll see the ending differently.

[@BigAppleRedd]

But when his wife told him "i love you guy" he didn't answer. Also, when he is talking with Genevieve, he seems disillusioned and doesn't say "my son" but "the kid"... So.. In my opinion, i think he just try to do his best to be happy, but it's not easy. Guy and Genevieve, both sacrified a part of themself to conform with society. Fucking system :'(

[@Zeppolino100]

You ignore these vital points: He did not know she was pregnant because he left within a matter of days after their one night together. He didn't join the army, he was drafted against his will. She married another man and accepted him as the father of her child with the 'love of her life', all without his ever having the chance to do anything about it. He doesn't want to see his daughter because it would hurt him too much, not because he is cold and uncaring. It is a tragedy for both.

[@songa520]

seeing the daughter will ultimately bring pain to all three of them.

[@andrewlipian913]

I don't know who you were responding to initially -- but you hit the nail on the head. So many people don't understand that, in lost relationships when one side is ignoring or refusing to engage, it is sometimes because the psychological risk to themselves to reengage is great. It's self protection, for both parties.

[@Zeppolino100]

@@andrewlipian913 I believe the comment I replied to has been removed. But I want to thank you for your kind words and thoughtful commentary. In point of fact, I have lived through a rough, emotional breakup and long time further entanglement with a woman who, just as you suggested, is incapable of acting on the truth.

[@andrewlipian913]

@@Zeppolino100 Mad respect brother. You have lived, and now you survive. Keep surviving.

[@Zeppolino100]

@@andrewlipian913 Sincere thanks for your kind thoughts. Heck yes, I will live life to the fullest so long as I never intentionally hurt anyone that has not mistreated me.

[@barfieuhorsain7273]

I was born in Cherbourg in the late 60's and I recognize almost all the places in the film My mother's name is Geneviève ( and his brother is Guy ) My father was conscript, drafted against his will , for 29 months until 1959 When I watch this movie I say to myself that It could have been my story So if you are deeply moved by this film, imagine what I feel... But my 1st name is not François and it hardly snows in Cherbourg

[@barfieuhorsain7273]

@Voracious Reader True love never dies ? may be... When the night has been too lonely And the road has been too long And you think that love is only For the lucky and the strong Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snow Lies the seed that with the sun's love In the spring becomes the rose

[@g4joe]

I was drafted but didn't go. I was in England we married I was sentenced to 2 years in my absence. Lost French citizenship. Duel nationality.

[@barfieuhorsain7273]

@@g4joe My late father was in France he didn't speak any foreign languages , he couldn't escape he had to go to Algeria he saw many awfull things ( on both sides ) he never talked about he came back ( physically ) alive he kept his french nationality , hurrah... he met my mother I was born Lucky you are , you didn't see what he saw

[@g4joe]

@@barfieuhorsain7273 My father was in the Free French Navy during WW2. I was conceived in France but born in England "my mother welsh, Dad a Breton" . Myself and second son received call up papers. I was married at 17 and a father my brother was 16 and a father. "No we had never been near Tennessee or Kentucky" We had to renounce French citizenship. My two younger brother's are still duel nationality because conscription ended. My father had Medaille militaire and Croix de Guerre. I am sorry your father had to go through that. I was to young for that.

[@barfieuhorsain7273]

@@g4joe When my father was 7 years old in Normandy in 1944 a German soldier told him : " you must eat if you want to protect your country later ' that's my father had to cope with in Algeria : young people fighting for their freedom cruel destiny Germany had nothing to do in France France had nothing to do in Algeria

[@NN-rn1oz]

"I will wait for you." Yeah right!

[@g4joe]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXjXi4SqqbF4l6s Dont play that song again.

[@willec7105]

The creators of this movie were able to skillfully present a typical story of love and loss while weaving in the obvious technical and seductive artistic elements of color, music, and beautiful people and not even trying to be subtle about it as many movie makers do. These elements like color, camera angles, scenery, and these young people are flagrantly put out there for all to see and we aren't distracted, turned-off, or bored by them. The ARE the elements of day-to-day life and also another factor in what makes what would be just "one more" tragic love story special and able to maintain a hold on our psyches for over 50 years.

[@ipaserbez3597]

МОЖЕД ОН И ЛЮБИТ ,ЖЕНИВЬЕВУ ЕЩЕ!. ❤ НО НИЧЕГО УЖЕ ЗДЕЛАТЬ НЕЛЬЗЯ!!. .НЕ МОЖЕТ!...😢❤ЭТО ЖИЗНЬ!..КОМПОЗИТОР МИШЕЛЬ ЛЕГРАН, ВЕЛИКОЛЕПНУЮ МУЩЫКУ ,НАПИСАЛ К ФИЛЬМУ!!!🌞🌳🕊🕊🎶🎥👍👏👏👏💌

[@theonlyantony]

A wistfully gutting, yet realistic ending. We've so many of us been through it. We can't have everything, all at once. Beautiful.

[@TheMontoGawe]

Such a beautiful, haunting film on so many levels.....

[@ScottAdams2911]

A romantic's romantic movie...still packs a punch, and timeless. With Le Grand's score, it'll stay a classic...

[@lizmorrison5328]

My favorite movie of all times! Have watched it multiple times but never tire of its’ magnificence!

[@yarmo28]

This is one of the saddest films that I've ever seen, and the music is so beautiful that it adds to the torture. Is it a tragedy? -No, it is a reality. Guy and Geneviève are torn apart symbolically - as France was torn apart by the war in Algérie. They both had to find their own way in the world - but alone.

[@marmotl1963]

Every normal human is crying at this beautiful moment.

[@geidiprime571]

One of the best endings in cinematic history.

[@domagojgreguric6957]

No wonder Damien Chazelle went with that heartbreaking, realistic, gut-punching ending in La La Land - this is his favourite movie. You can see it clearly.

[@reecealandavidroberts5388]

this ending scene. Gets me in the feels all the time.

[@uintaj]

One of the all-time great "tearjerkers", and who can ever forget that haunting music. Some people might not care for the ending, but how else could it really end? Despite everything, life goes on...

[@bismarck1234561]

This film can never be re-made. It will stand the test of time as well as the test of Hollywood. This is a great masterpiece coming from a long line of masters regarding the form of art of French design!!!

[@RoboSlater]

Masterpiece! As the song plays, and the unsung lyrics say, "If it takes forever, I will wait for you...", we see the two former lovers behave according to their new lives, one transformed by motherhood and her marriage and the other by fatherhood and his marriage, acting into their new responsibilities. It was just a song, a romantic sentiment, but it was not, as it could never, be the reality. Will you pass me that box of kleenex, please?

[@UNOwen1]

Thank you, bertbretherton! A hundred percent correct. It is such a truly beautiful film moment. I've never walked out of a theatre where the entire audience wasn't sniffling - me included. I try not to watch it more than once a year or so - as a treat. Gets me every time. And, I'm not a 'mushy' type.

[@LoveEnglish54]

J'ai tellement pleuré à cette scène !!

[@lcristian100]

lejos el final mas intenso en la historia del cine,,¡¡¡¡,,,gran película musical.y romántica para esos años....gracias demy..por esta obra de arte..¡¡¡

[@fobesq]

This movie is simply superb. The music sublime. Thank you.

[@fobesq]

Michel Legrand was a musical genius. The music catapulted this movie to the stratosphere.

[@billobrien5118]

Finally meeting up and coming face-to-face after all those years proved to be both an awkward and most uncomfortable encounter for them both! Genevieve could speak a little though sadly while Guy was almost speechless. When they spot each other in the car --- note Guy's expression. It is tinged with both worry and sadness. He doesn't want an old love interest, no matter how intense to mar the improvements in his life. He kisses Madeleine when she tells him that she loves him so he obviously feels much the same. The sadness from the final encounter comes from the two no longer being able to connect. Their lives had evolved so much and there is but a scant trace of love still within them which they both know could never be. Guy puts up a stoic front. Their meet up was most ambivalent. The love had become ice just as the falling snow in this final scene.

[@SteelValyrian]

I've never asked this in comments, tho I've often thought it - "WHO COULD HAVE DISLIKED THIS??!!" So for the record I shall ask (through mostly unshed tears)- What is there to dislike? This was the pure beauty of life. Mostly bitter, with some nostalgic sweet. The true grit of humanity may not be quite represented of course, but that is not the point of this video.

[@bespectacledheroine7292]

I choose to believe Genevieve and Guy met one more time for lunch a decade or two later and reconciled themselves to having done what any couple young and in love would do if put into the same circumstances. The ending as is, is heartbreaking. More for Genevieve than Guy. He seems to be truly happy in his life, and this is only a sore spot for him when he sees her again. For her it's like salt in the wound. Had to marry someone she barely knew to avoid the shame of being a single mother to their daughter. Just....depressing. Perfect movie.

[@pablobanados6552]

This most beautiful movie raised Miss Deneuve to world stardom.

[@LeSoleilRoyalXIV]

@Biel 2001 Don't know why, i think he was great in that movie.

[@torigoth7487]

@Bell 01 Really? Why did it ostracize Nino? Edit: FK, THAT ACTOR DIED TODAY. RIP, Nino.

[@Aleidenberg]

A beautiful, artsy, tearful but happy ending.

[@kaztsuru2203]

I am Japanese, but no matter where I was born or raised, regardless of race or religion, the true essence of Michelgrand is his ability to bring tears to the eyes of his listeners with his music alone, regardless of the story.

[@zsoltkiss545]

Even after almost 60 years, the film is still a masterpiece, as is Michel Legrand's music...

[@cheburashko02]

+1 cryed my eyes out when I was 8 and so this movie for the first time

[@포청천-i9v]

가슴이 아프다 너무도 아름답다 ㅠ ㅠ

[@caterinacouts]

I wouldn't leave without saying I love you,Guy..

[@rosefleur2007]

Je poste une analyse que j’avais déjà faite sur un autre site qui n’existe plus. Une fracture de classe sociale récurrente et irréconciliable entre Guy et Geneviève Dans la scène finale, tout oppose Geneviève et Guy. Il est resté simple et fidèle à ce qu’il était : même tenue vestimentaire sobre (tenue de pompiste), même métier : il est toujours garagiste mais chef d’entreprise de sa propre station-service conformément à son projet de vie depuis le début. C’est une promotion sociale certes mais il ne renie pas sa condition ouvrière. D’ailleurs, au début de la première séquence, trônait dans sa chambre une station-service Esso miniature toute blanche en guise de jouet. La station-service qu’il a acquise ici est la même que ce jouet et illustre la réussite de son projet, projet qui devait aboutir avec Geneviève au début de leur passion amoureuse. Cela la faisait d’ailleurs rire lorsqu’elle lui manifestait son amour avec un « tu sentiras l’essence toute la journée, Quel bonheur ! ». Geneviève, quant à elle, ne ressemble plus du tout à la jeune fille innocente du début du film. Elle a tout renié. : elle appartenait certes à la petite bourgeoisie provinciale mais une bourgeoisie « fauchée » puisque sa mère commerçante croulait sous les dettes. Son mariage avec Roland Cassard a tout arrangé et évité le déshonneur à sa famille puisqu’elle était enceinte de Guy sans être mariée. Elle apparaît, dans le final, comme une femme très BCBG ; elle incarne, à la perfection, l’intouchable bourgeoise : coiffure très sophistiquée (chignon choucroute), manteau de fourrure (vison ?), voiture grosse cylindrée…. Pour aller plus loin, on peut même imaginer qu’elle porte un parfum de luxe et qui ne dégage certainement pas une odeur d’essence. On peut, cependant, noter que Geneviève et Guy ont tout de même voulu garder une trace de leur passion amoureuse puisqu’ils ont tous les deux donné le même prénom à leur enfant respectif : Françoise et François, preuve qu’ils n’ont rien oublié : « Nous aurons des enfants, j’appellerai ma fille Françoise ». Au début de la scène, on observe la posture de Guy : il reste silencieux, son regard est grave, il tourne la tête pour allumer sa cigarette et observe Geneviève. Un gouffre social les sépare. Leur amour n’a pas résisté aux normes : c’est l’irréconciliable différence des classes sociales, c’est l’échec du bonheur face aux contraintes sociales. On relève aussi que Mme Emery, mère de Geneviève, décédée à l’automne, survit dans les choix effectués par sa fille. Elle reste omniprésente. I am posting an analysis that I had already done on another site that no longer exists. A recurring and irreconcilable social class divide between Guy and Geneviève In the final scene, everything is opposed to Geneviève and Guy. He remained simple and faithful to what he was : same sober clothing (pump attendant outfit), same job : he is still a mechanic but business manager of his own service station in accordance with his life project from the start. It is certainly a social advancement but he does not deny his working condition. Moreover, at the start of the first sequence, a miniature, all-white Esso service station sat in his room as a toy. The gas station he acquired here is the same as this toy and illustrates the success of his project, a project which was to culminate with Geneviève at the start of their romantic passion. It also made her laugh when she showed him her love with « you will smell the gasoline all day long, what a joy! ». Geneviève, for her part, no longer looks like the innocent young girl at the beginning of the film. She denied everything. : she certainly belonged to the provincial petty bourgeoisie but a « broke » bourgeoisie since her merchant mother was drowning in debt. Her marriage to Roland Cassard arranged everything and avoided dishonor to her family since she was pregnant with Guy without being married. She appears, in the finale, as a very preppy woman; she embodies, to perfection, the untouchable bourgeoisie: very sophisticated hairstyle (sauerkraut bun), fur coat (mink ?), large engine car…. To go further, we can even imagine that she is wearing a luxury perfume that certainly does not smell of gasoline. We can, however, note that Geneviève and Guy still wanted to keep a trace of their romantic passion since they both gave the same first name to their respective children : Françoise and François, proof that they have nothing forgotten : « We will have children, I will call my daughter Françoise ». At the beginning of the scene, we observe Guy's posture : he remains silent, his expression is serious, he turns his head to light his cigarette and observes Geneviève. A social gulf separates them. Their love did not resist the norms : it is the irreconcilable difference of social classes, it is the failure of happiness in the face of social constraints. We also note that Mrs. Emery, mother of Geneviève, who died in the fall, survives in the choices made by her daughter. She remains omnipresent.

[@jubinne]

The ending broke my heart. What a wonderful love story, one of the BEST! Jubinne

[@Αικατερίνη-υ6β]

Un vraiment très beau film

[@peponwi]

...and of course the overwhelmingly emotional and dramatic love theme is playing in the background the whole time. Pure genius.

[@christianbernard5811]

Un des plus grands films de l'histoire du cinéma (merci Michel Legrand et Jacques Demy ; et Catherine Deneuve) Cette fin réaliste est poignante..

[@najmadavies6678]

I've loved this film since I was a little girl. This scene hurts so much harder now as an adult and understanding it so much more, still crying my eyes out. I dont think Genevieve got a happy ending, and Guy doesn't tell Madeline he loves her. Was he happy? One of my favourite films ever.

[@victor1978100]

This scene always makes me cry.

[@yoyolivero]

...this always bring tears to my eyes...

[@minao_369]

まだ忘れてない。 諦めてはいるけど。 今はまだ...　思い出を追い掛けてる。

[@straycat316]

Such a romantical legend, and even more with this beautiful music... Wonderfully melancholy.

[@cbak12sg]

I hope you French are proud of this wonderful film, the only one I've ever seen where every line of dialogue is sung, even "Oh, merde!" and "Maman, je suis enceinte"

[@JimMcDougall]

One of my all time favourites-so evocative, bittersweet, touching and just a hint of what might have been....

[@zhicun99]

このシーンは何度見ても胸にグッとくるものが有る。 自分も仕事の出張先で買い物のショッピングモールにて 昔大恋愛で結婚寸前までなっていた彼女に偶然再会したことがある。 お互い本当に好きだったんだけど別れなければならない 事情があってどうにもできなかった。 その当時別れるときはお互い死ぬほど辛かった。 再会したとき 彼女はすでに小学生くらいの子供を２人連れたオバサン、 自分は出張は一人だけど家には妻と子供３人の家族がいるオッサン。 お互いを憎んで別れた訳じゃないんで数分間言葉を交わし お互いが今幸せであることを確かめた。 話している時に彼女の目が少し涙ぐんでいたけど 無理して笑っていた。 自分も胸が詰まりそうになって声が上ずっていたけど。 そのあと連絡先の交換はしないで 永遠の別れとしました。 今の家族を苦しめ悲しませる ことは絶対したくないから。

[@josebatt3359]

貴方は正しい事をした。えらいです。 日本を離れる前どうしても想いを伝えようとした同級生とのデートで観た映画、今でもこの曲が流れると胸が締め付けられる。何で彼女がこんな昔の映画を観たがったのか不明だったが、映画と同じ結末が我々にも待っているのかもと勝手に想像してしまった。結局、恋は成就できず取り越し苦労になってしまった。 人生なんてこんなもんです。

[@dadoctor19]

I know it's a movie, but.....Did anybody see her pay for her gas before she left?

[@bessyxyz]

Asking the right questions. ;)

[@letBIGGIErest]

I'm kind of worried she just left her kid the car like that.

[@JackShining]

Platinum Diamond why not ? C’est la France in 1963!

[@jeanned.6706]

@@letBIGGIErest different times

[@ATLJazzy]

I noticed she didn't seem to pay for it. I want to fill up at that station.

[@robertoalsina3949]

No vi la película, pero escucho el tema principal cuando él le dice que se van a separar y...es desgarrador se me hace un nudo en la garganta... Ahora bien, no creo que nadie haya traicionado a nadie. Es la vida..pasa.. así de simple y así de doloroso..por eso no hay prometer nada .. Las palabras: Nunca y Siempre...son muy fuertes y comprometedoras. Dos años en una época en donde las posibilidades de comunicación permanente eran nulas o por cartas que tardaban semanas en llegar o teléfono a larga distancia.. Era muy dificil mantener el fuego de la pasión. Si aún hoy con internet, con una pantalla, comunicación instantánea al otro lado del mundo, no todas las parejas duran... ¿Que se podía esperar en esa época con menos recursos??? Al contrario..si el final fuese con un reencuentro, con bombos y platillos... En donde ambos se hubiesen esperado y vivieron felices para siempre...hubiese sido una película más del montón. Por el contrario, tiene un final real, y por eso duele tanto... Porque la vida es así.Promesas hijas del corazón, de la pasión, la emoción.. del Amor... totalmente irracional, el Amor es asi..ciego, incoherente y muchas veces esas promesas lastiman... 👍🙋🏾‍♂️🇦🇷

[@maryvonneseveno]

❤❤❤

[@gladysramosgalarreta6701]

😢🇲🇫🇵🇪

[@MariaNunez-gj2lq]

Esta película me trae recuerdos de mi primer enamorado quien me dejo malísimos recuerdos! Como este drama!

[@1Rabih]

heart wrenching ending so sad and tragic... :(

[@Panderbeams]

Alexander. . . No matter how long it takes, I will wait for you

[@guyverhaeghen4251]

Sadly , Nino Castelnuovo ( "Guy" ) has just passed away (Sept 6 2021 ). But we'll never forget this beautiful movie .Especially this tragic ending .

[@rink6512]

1981년도 봤었는데 저 라스트 씬에서 담담하고 쓸쓸했던 정서 영원히 기억에서 잊혀지지 않네.

[@jean-jacquescortes9500]

I saw the restored version in a theater and it’s marvelous to watch it with the original colours.

[@sundelong2727]

This is one of the unforgettable movie cause life , love , sorrow , destiny are displayed beautifully . From this movie I learn that man forgets old flame when he finds a new lover .

[@ogamiitto8627]

He forgot nothing. It still hurts, look how he reacts when she asks how he feels. Both just had to move on...

[@PaulSmith-kw6we]

When you find out they both gave their kids that same name ...

[@turquoise770]

Well not exactly the same. Don't get carried away.

[@ShanghaiRooster]

It was something they had determined upon when they were together, before Guy was drafted to fight in Algeria. François for a boy, Françoise for a girl. The fact that Guy named his son François even after Geneviève's 'betrayal' of her vow to wait for him speaks volumes.

[@ObinisaTalk]

what i love about this film is in the end everyone made there choices, and the choices of Genieve affected Guy and all Guy could do was just live and the same with Genieve. Choices were made and they have to live with them the best they could. They will always have there memories though.

[@herman2725]

they never stopped loving each other...

[@staudtwerner]

only france can make movies and scenes like this, c'est simple grande!

[@MrCristoforoantonio]

This was the first time I saw the ending of this film. I actually cried!!!

[@SeanNessman]

it's so great. they all have to compromise, to move on., but not without feeling so so nostalgic for past love. and there's sth so nice in driving from Anjou to Paris, and without planning but most certainly from a subconscious urging, making a detour to a beloved place you said goodbye to a long time ago. like visiting a grave from time to time.

[@inkyguy]

_Je l’ai écrit avant, mais je vais encore l’écrire , …_ This score and the main theme to _Cinema Paradiso_ are two of the most instantly moving and evocative musical themes I’ve ever heard. They instantly touch my heart and soul. They arouse yearning and pain in my heart and bring tears to my eyes.

[@amysternhell5089]

In this final scene he realizes Genvieve is no longer the woman he fell in love with years ago. She has become someone else- sadly living an unsatisfying and lonely but wealthy life she traded him in for years ago when she couldn’t sustain her belief in their relationship- largely because of her mother’s undermining behavior. But seeing Genevieve this time makes him realize he can finally let go of his fantasy of what might have been- because she is a different person from the woman he remembered. That person no longer exists. Watch how joyful he is at the return of his wife and son to the gas station. He is suddenly free of the grief he was carrying around for so long . He realizes he has everything in his life he could dream for. No more sorrow about what might have been. He is free to love his family fully without any regrets @ what might have been. It’s a perfect ending. But so sad for Genvieve because she goes out into the cold by herself… symbolizing the coldness of her life compared to the warmth of his… which is symbolized by the cozy and sweet gas station with their beautiful Christmas tree.

[@GraceyQueen]

I remember seeing this as a fourteen year old and crying buckets. It's still sad even now. Carol.