Obviously those who said the ending was a "total cop-out" have obviously NOT read the story on which it's based on. The story, "The Sweetheart of the Song Tra Bong," I believe, ended the exact same way the movie did. You're left not knowing exactly what happened to Marianne, only a few stories that've been swapped around.
A haunting story indeed, of an ignorant little girl brought to Hell. Kiefer Sutherland portrays Rat Kiley perfectly. Skeet Ulrich actually acts for a change. All in all, one of the better unknown Vietnam movies that has been made in recent years. But it isn't for everyone, I can promise you that. If you don't like how the story's ending just kind of fizzles, then don't bother with the movie. Mainly because you've been entranced by Hollywood's "gotta know everything and have the 'happily-ever-after' " endings that every crappy movie has been given in the last 10 years.
Bravo to the filmmakers for providing the audience with a beautiful renditioning of a wonderful short story.
A haunting story indeed, of an ignorant little girl brought to Hell. Kiefer Sutherland portrays Rat Kiley perfectly. Skeet Ulrich actually acts for a change. All in all, one of the better unknown Vietnam movies that has been made in recent years. But it isn't for everyone, I can promise you that. If you don't like how the story's ending just kind of fizzles, then don't bother with the movie. Mainly because you've been entranced by Hollywood's "gotta know everything and have the 'happily-ever-after' " endings that every crappy movie has been given in the last 10 years.
Bravo to the filmmakers for providing the audience with a beautiful renditioning of a wonderful short story.