SPOILER: In the end we see Rene meeting Mckenzie's uncle, I guess Rene must have followed him when he left the ferry, but they only look at each other awkwardly when they meet. We don't see any police or them having a discussion.
What can we assume?
So did you actually watch the movie yet? Lol
shareMany years ago I walked for miles along the Toklat River. There are a number of reasons this film is magnificent, and for all those reasons, I’ve seen it a number of times. I’m sure I’ll see it many more, although having seen the opening a time or two, I generally start watching at the point McKenzie flees her despicable uncle.
The ending? Perfect for the story and frustrating for the audience. Sure, we’re left wondering, but just as Bart indirectly learned enough to be decisive, so can we. It would be a mistake, I think, to infer that Bart was incapable of facing the uncle with resolution. He would not have taken the many steps necessary to produce the conclusion we are offered without having a very clear intended outcome. I believe he told the uncle that any further contact of any kind, would produce consequence beyond the man’s capacity to negotiate. The uncle would be left to wonder whether that consequence was prison or the grave. A man as resourceful as Bart would have been capable of communicating a capacity for either.
Upon McKenzie’s arrival in Seattle, Bart met her at the ferry. She was offered a choice of return to her junkie mother, or completing her education under Bart’s patronage and guardianship. She chose the latter and was later adopted, by otherwise childless but compassionate and honorable Bart, who returned to Alaska with her many times. He walked her down the aisle at her wedding. He never attempting to replace her father but always represented the paternal foundation he knew she needed. In the end, McKenzie was the one who cared for him as his own life slipped quietly away.
A beautiful film, brilliantly conceived, wonderfully shot, and faithfully acted. One of my all time favorites.