Sharing A Ciggie

I particularly liked that scene when the two heroes meet clandestinely in the bushes and Finch's character offers McKenna's a cigarette.

Without preamble she breaks it in two and gives half back to him. This says two things about the heroine's nature. Firstly; an unquestioning belief in fairness. That being female does not entitle her to special privileges in adversity. And secondly; a wisely cautious nature. By accepting only half the cigarette, she is signalling to the other that time is equally rationed. Neither can take excessive risks with the Japanese guards, whilst he is tacitly served notice that there's no time for anything more intimate.

It's a small thing in itself that says so much without the need for lengthy dialogue. Basically; she's advertising that she's the right stuff: honest, fair and economical, and not one to take unnecessary risks even with men. An ideal mate demonstrated by a single, simple act.