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Can anybody explain to me what was up with the scene at the end where John and Rachel both stare each other.


Re-watched this recently. One part that puzzled me that I didn't really think about before was the part at the end where Book is standing on the porch looking at Rachel as she stands in the doorway. Specifically, the bit that puzzled me was when Book is looking at Rachel while he is trying very hard to hold back tears - yet Rachel looks at him with a very seductive facial expression.
Was this supposed to have deeper meaning or was it just letting the audience know that she is still had the hots for him?
A unique scene for sure.

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My impression is that it parallels the scene when Rachel is bathing. Clearly they care for each other very much. Rachel lets John know she wants him, and of course hopes he will stay. John's response is that if they make love their relationship is sealed, forcing him to stay or Rachel to go. He looks away to let her know he can't act on their feelings. She understands. When John is leaving, he is looking at her in the same manner, as if asking her to come with him. Rachel looks away to let him know she can't act on their feelings. He understands. It is a sad and grown-up acceptance that they must live in such separate worlds without each other.

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Can anybody explain to me what was up with the scene at the end where John and Rachel both stare each other.

Both had received premonitions.... He realized that he was going to be compelled to revisit Star Wars and Indiana Jones for the remainder of her natural life, and she realized that she'd forever be that chick from Top Gun, while fucking Meg Ryan would go on to major stardom

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Short answer: it was romance

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Well two things, they have a secret no one knows about, but them. And it was her last offer to get him to stay or take her with him. She would have left with him in a heartbeat but he wasnt going for it. No words needed, written all over their faces.

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