MovieChat Forums > When Harry Met Sally... (1989) Discussion > Having them end up together ruined it fo...

Having them end up together ruined it for me

posted 8 years ago by soonerpike697
11 replies | jump to latest

Watched this for the first time last night. Really enjoyed it bit thought it would have been a lot more interesting if they had proven a man and a woman actually could be friends...

[–] mikekrit62 8 years ago

Why would "proving" that make the movie better or more interesting? It's a romantic comedy, not a doctoral thesis.

[–] soonerpike697 8 years ago

This movie felt like it wanted to be more than just a generic rom com and in the end that's all it was. The first hour really made me think they had something more unique in mind...

I do what I say and I say what I mean

[–] jane_bront 8 years ago

If being friends was it then the movie would have ended when they decided to be friends. And it would have been a big nothing and a waste of my time if it did. I knew it was a romcom going in and not one of those indie flicks trying to be "original" (i.e. - moody and "thought-provoking.") I expected Harry and Sally to get together in the end and would have felt misled and cheated if they didn't. That said, the destination (getting together) was satisfying but the trip (the development of the relationship) is what made the film - not some dreary non-romcom ending.

[–] bonerman (96) 5 years ago

How could it be trying to be more than just a generic rom com when it is the original rom com?

[–] R_Kane (15828) 3 years ago

A doctorate requires a dissertation, not a thesis.

[–] daughterofolaf 8 years ago

It's a movie, so regardless how it ends it would prove nothing.

"Why couldn't the monkey arrange this from INSIDE the garbage can?"

[–] soonerpike697 8 years ago

Fair point, but I think you know what I meant...

I do what I say and I say what I mean

[–] quetee2 7 years ago

Nah, the ending is perfect.

[–] rudeboymurray (3241) 4 years ago

I have always loved this film and find the ending warm and sweet, but this does make me wonder how it could have been if the ending had proven Harry’s theory. A very different film, but not necessary a lesser one.

[–] Rolltide (964) 3 years ago

I agree that a film that depicts 2 people who become incredible life long friends would be great. Would have kept the film from being a 30 year classic. You would have to deal with the jealousy from their romantic partners and other issues. It would have made the film less predictable because everybody has to know how things will end.

I always thought a film depicting a friendship similar to Freddie Mercury and Mary Austin would be a good idea. 2 people who are romantically involved to start but that part of their relationship ends because he is gay. Still they remain life long friends who can always trust each other.

[–] Ripkens25 (1902) 3 years ago

Part of the brilliance of this movie is...Billy is kinda right. Part of you as the viewer doesn't WANT him to be right, and feel he is being ridiculous/obnoxious. But then, he keeps layering his opinion with additional rationale and addendums that kinda fit, in a hilarious way. Part of what makes comedy funny is when there's an element of truth we can relate to, which makes us say: "Hey YEAH...that's so true!"

In the meantime, we grow to like these two people through the many years this movie traverses. What's more...we grow to like them TOGETHER. And while it (might) be an interesting movie to have them end up "just" as friends....to me it would have been disappointing. This, because what they gain through the years is a very special intimacy and closeness you'd like to think you'll have first and foremost with the mate you choose to spend your life with. I think I'd probably not like knowing my wife had Harry & Sally's level of closeness with another man. It's the kind of closeness that brings lasting joy and fun (and intimacy) to a relationship.

Could a nice movie be made about a longstanding man/woman friendship? Sure, and there have been plenty. But Harry and Sally were what I consider a perfect couple...the kind of relationship I'd like to have....so i was rooting for them. I'm sure the vast majority is glad they ended-up together. Besides....that ending could not have been more perfect.

Was Harry right, BTW? In a way.....he was, to a certain degree. What's so interesting about the topic is that it's complicated. Harry certainly makes a strong argument..and his points are so fun and spot-on. We want him to be wrong, but it's funny hearing him out, LOL.

This movie, BTW, is one of my all-time favorites. It's just so perfect, and their chemistry is off the charts. Plus, it has become a great time-capsule of the end of the 80's. (For example, the Sharper Image scene!)