I don't get why they had to make a different ending for the Japanese and English versions, it simply means you have to get the movie twice if you want to watch it subbed, but have other family members who prefer it dubbed!
I found it interesting that the draw end was used in the Japanese cut, given that they tended to lean to having more violence than the USA at the time.
I think you answered your own question - it means you have to buy the movie twice. Maybe I'm just being cynical.
sharei think this was FAR from a marketing scheme (if that is what anybody is implying). there isnt even an official subtitled version for the US. its just another classic example of movie distributers thinking they have the consumer's best interest in mine *rolls eyes*. as for you...you dont have to get both. i can see how the family members situation would be different though.
shareThere are two endings because the American release needed finality to the film, considering the US never seen Hokuto no Ken before through the graphic novels and a tv series like in Japan. The match, in actuallity, does end in a draw so the subbed version is Hokuto's authentic form.
But to leave the movie in a draw conclusion in the States would just leave western viewers hanging.
The one I have ended in a draw.....and it is Dubbed so how did the Japanese version end......I'm getting confused....
shareThe ending in the Japense was roah wins and the little pink haired girl walks over and he tells her to be safe it was supposed to be a new seires were she had some kind of power he needed so he did nto kill the girl ?
share*EDIT* I found this while reading up on this movie.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fist_of_the_North_Star
There were two endings produced for the film. The original theatrical ending showed Raoh emerging victorious over Kenshiro, but sparing his life, leaving him to protect Lin (hinting her Gento origins). The other ending, which was used on home video versions, ends the fight in a draw. The former ending was used in the English dubbed version by Streamline.