by Benjamin Haines » Mon Nov 11, 2019 11:14 pm
After all these years, I have to say that I still don't fully get the ending to this film.
I mean, I get it up to a point. Ichiro fights back against his kidnappers and escapes. He reassures his mom that he understands why she and his dad have to work so much. He stands up to Gabara, shooting down his invitation to join the gang, and then when Gabara moves to attack, Ichiro doesn't hesitate to hit him first, proclaiming that he hates bullies and eventually winning the fight. I get all of that.
Why, then, does Ichiro promptly carry out Gabara's bidding, become a bully himself, and still join up with that gang? That's what happens when Ichiro honks the painter's bike horn, just like Gabara told him to do the day before. Am I missing something here? It's like he can't help but let Gabara influence him even after standing up for himself and winning.