Ending of "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg"

Ez a film is számomra is emlékezetes.1963 decemberében születtem. Apám bátyja 1956 emigrált, majd beállt az idegen légióban. Harcolt Algériában. Amikor ez a filmet gyerekként láttam apám akkor mondta el,hogy a testvére is járt Algériában. Sajnos nálunk ezt családi titokként kellett kezelni. Nagybátyám sosem jöhetett haza. ❤❤❤❤

When the same story coinside with you at the young age just in different country and under different circumstances, you will never able to forget, the film will stay in your heart and will remind you about the vulnerable time when you were in love and betrayed.

😅​@@michaelkalinski5061

Well stated.

And notice though the primary colors of his son's raincoat and his wife's scarf. Maybe that tells us that he should look for his happiness there.

You are a very keen observer. As a painter, I have long admired the brilliant use of color throughout this breathtaking work of art.

The film restoration to digital must have been hard, trying to get the shade of colours off film stock.

Amen to that. And it makes it even more striking as Christmas is usually considered the most colorful time of the year. Great observation on your part!

Salaud.... but not of his own making. Salaud...mais pas de sa faute...

AMEN Oscars lost their clout long ago anyway

Oscars very rarely recognise foreign films, it only took them 90 years to give the Best Film Oscar to a foreign film (Parasite).

@@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747 that is most sad.

@@andrewlipian913 It sucks, I recently watched Michael Haneke's Amour and was moved by Emmanuel Riva's touching performance, yet the Oscars awarded Jennifer Lawrence's performance from Silver Linings Playbook which I think was decent at best.

@@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747 It is the tragic, revolving door of Oscar prejudice that it does not consider "foreign" films under the same standard as domestic ones, even when those foreign ones are so far superior. I suppose power begets preference, but it is a great pity that preference is artistically inept in choice.

I feel as if it's perfectly resolved. Seeing Genevieve again was the resolution he needed. They both silently acknowledge that they settled for their second choice and there is still pain for both of them around that, but in that moment where she asks if he wants to meet her daughter, he resolves to himself that he wouldn't want his life any other way than it is now, and that he is happy with his life with Madeleine and his son, and his gas station. If we compare this to La La Land, which recreates that same moment, it did not sit nearly as well for me as a resolution to the story. We never really saw how or why she met her new husband and don't feel involved in that process, we don't know if she loves him or regrets her life or anything, and despite Ryan Gosling's otherwise great acting his expression leaves it too hard to tell what he is getting out of this chance encounter and how he feels about the turn his life took. Also I don't think those two were as invested in each other in the first place as Genevieve and Guy so losing each other felt like it meant less.

There is total resolution. Keep watching.

Un très beau film

The same happened in Ukraine, so it as French, as Ukrainian or any other European country. Love is everywhere love and betrayal is everywhere is the betrayal.

Both are wooden actors who played their parts with very little visible emotion

seeing the daughter will ultimately bring pain to all three of them.

I don't know who you were responding to initially -- but you hit the nail on the head. So many people don't understand that, in lost relationships when one side is ignoring or refusing to engage, it is sometimes because the psychological risk to themselves to reengage is great. It's self protection, for both parties.

@@andrewlipian913 I believe the comment I replied to has been removed. But I want to thank you for your kind words and thoughtful commentary. In point of fact, I have lived through a rough, emotional breakup and long time further entanglement with a woman who, just as you suggested, is incapable of acting on the truth.

@@Zeppolino100 Mad respect brother. You have lived, and now you survive. Keep surviving.

@@andrewlipian913 Sincere thanks for your kind thoughts. Heck yes, I will live life to the fullest so long as I never intentionally hurt anyone that has not mistreated me.

Sometimes this kind of interruptions makes it all have sense in the storyline

"super or regular?" is the gist of the film

The gas attendant is talking about her heart's memory of all this - Super or regular - how do you want me to fill it? It's very symbolic

I think there is so much clever subtext in so many of these seemingly throwaway lines in this scene: "Super or regular?' to which Genevieve replies 'it doesn't matter to me' - i think it's a metaphor for their love story - when faced with the choice of 'super love' (Guy) or 'regular love' (Roland), she went with the option that was most convenient at the time: Roland. I could be totally wrong , of course, but it makes sense to me.

How I loathed her mother. But, I understand what a scandal it was back then. Of course. She had to get security, even if she doomed their love by marrying while he was away..

Umbrella was pretty crappy

@@fromis.9 perhaps you would prefer this kzhead.info/sun/bJyeebtueoBsZaM/bejne.html Gary Moore, similar tune?

@@g4joe make worst, too much guitar. I love the finale song. And the jazz inbetween. But singing every line seems ridiculous

@@fromis.9 kzhead.info/sun/qJ1_XdB7m3inf6c/bejne.html I will wait for you. How about this? kzhead.info/sun/krxtcb2tbJ9onqc/bejne.html Michel legrand

Well said!! I think what is also so heartbreaking is the unknown, the unresolved "what if" that life circumstances prevented them from finding out together... while Genevieve arguably suffered less than Guy by making her own decision and taking a materially comfortable life, she however will forever be reminded of the "what if" by their child.

@@eboli7146 Thank you for your thoughtful reply and new thoughts!

@@Zeppolino100 I just love this movie, it's so rewatchable and thought provoking...

@@eboli7146 Me too! Had to buy it so that I could. The final scene alone is worth every penny. I hope you have scene the restored version which faithfully recaptured the creative colors that were so important to the Director's Concept.

@@Zeppolino100 I watched it online on the Criterion Channel, which I understand is the restored version. Love love love it. Are you Italian by the way?

But at the same time, there's no way he would want to give up what he has now for Genevieve or her daughter anymore. He can still hurt from losing her but it doesn't mean he wants to have her back now that the water has gone under the bridge.

Having rewatched this scene carefully many times, I interpret this portion differently. Yes, at first he looks down when she asks him if he is OK, but only for a moment. When he speaks, he looks directly at her and the answer is that he is 'very good'.' He has discovered that one CAN love again, in a more complete and mature way. Head over heals passion, such as the two lovers had at the movie's start always eventually fades. He has made the better choice for him, and Genevieve is fooling only herself if she believes she would be happier with Guy.

Love can come at many times. You just have to be open to it.

The last scene means that he is a happy man because he is able to love. Even though he’s poor, he has more than she does. He doesn’t regret what he had lost. She’s the one who doesn’t have happiness because she traded love for something else.

@@Zeppolino100 only wish their daughter could've gotten to know her real father though..

4 years late to reply to this, but yes, one of the most emotional pieces of music I've ever heard - hits me everytime. Even after one viewing, this image and music was ingrained in my mind.

And yet kitch!

@@filmswithjovi I was disappointed with the end of this movie! I like happy endings! This ending reminds me of Splendor in the Grass! Sad!!!

And the same music was recycled for that famous ending of that Futurama episode too. Though this movie did it better of course.

@@cindychristian1700 A happy ending for you Cindy kzhead.info/sun/hq6OmNCKpnSCa4U/bejne.html Allways look on the bright side of life.

D'accord. I agree completely with what you said.

Yes agreed!

But they only chose them because of the circumstances. She didn't like her husband, her mother did. He didn't want that girl, he just settled.

@@offbeatblackgerl8360 disagree, you can tell he looks happy with her. As the final shot of the film proves. He moved on. Maybe not completely, of course... nobody ever moves on from your first love... but he really did love his wife.

Yup, Nice catch !

I always thought the rich man was sort of hoisted upon her because she was pregnant. Her mother had a lot to do with that choice.

I think wanting / choosing material "stability" & "predictability" is "regular" And Choosing love & mystery is "Super"

Well not exactly the same. Don't get carried away.

It was something they had determined upon when they were together, before Guy was drafted to fight in Algeria. François for a boy, Françoise for a girl. The fact that Guy named his son François even after Geneviève's 'betrayal' of her vow to wait for him speaks volumes.

kzhead.info/sun/ZqutirWsq357lIE/bejne.html Dont play that song again.

me too dear... breaks my heart each time i see it...

Such an emotion movie. Just hearing the music makes my heart break.

Me too. Because they are separated due to circumstances that is neither's fault. She suffers terribly when pregnant and waiting for Guy to return. Then she doesn't hear from him due to an injury in the war and pressure from her mother who is financially strapped to marry a wealthy man who does seem to care for her, you can see the misery in her face when she marries Roland because it is Guy she loves. I have always felt upset that Guy is cool to her in that last scene and how he doesn't want to see his own child. But when he returns from the war, he suffers too to know she married another man and she and her mother are no longer in Cherbough with the umbrella shop gone. Madeleine has helped him recover from the war and accepting the death of his aunt, so he did move on and seems happy. I always felt Genevieve is the one who is harmed the most, and the film only lets us know she is living a wealthy life by her appearance but Guy doesn't even ask her how she is, which she does ask him. He is bitter toward her. She doesn't get to explain. It was not what she willingly chose, and both characters suffer greatly as a result of circumstances. Devastating final scene for me, because that little girl is his child just as much as the son he adores.

@@lovescoffee7189 I agree. That was a difficult scene. Genevieve was young and pressured by her mother. I would have liked for them to profess their love for each other and for him to see the child. But then what? They are both married to other people. I like to think that one day the little girl finds her father. It's such an emotional movie. My heart breaks every time I just hear the music.

My heart breaks every time I hear the music - exactly the same...

60 years later the film makes me react the same way you do for the same reason.

Thank you for that little bit of information. Concerto pour une Voix was one of my fave growing up.

One of the rare movies where everything works. I describe it as an Impressionist painting put on film.

Thank you. I was wondering who that was. She sings with such emotion in her voice.

d'accord.

Another fine ending? kzhead.info/sun/hq6OmNCKpnSCa4U/bejne.html Allways look on the bright side of life.

@@g4joe nobody cares

@@randywhite3947 Ah Randy, ain't that the truth.

I tear up just hearing the music.

Sad because little girls love and need their dad's. Left me feeling down 7:03

I think he appreciates Madeleine. There was more passion with Genevieve. She still loves him. It shows.

+Penthesilea Yes! :)

I think this movie needed this song, in all its placements, but especially its lush & glorious orchestration at the end of both halves, to make this movie the timeless classic that it is.

The music is the third part of this movie.it's a masterpiece.the actors..the decor..the camera..and the music...

kzhead.info/sun/ZqutirWsq357lIE/bejne.html Dont play that song again.

Asking the right questions. ;)

I'm kind of worried she just left her kid the car like that.

Platinum Diamond why not ? C’est la France in 1963!

@@letBIGGIErest different times

I noticed she didn't seem to pay for it. I want to fill up at that station.

I dont necessarily see Guy as a winner in all of this ; watch his face as Madeleine leaves the store, he doesn't look to happy or fulfiled , when she tells him " I love you " he doesn't respond and kisses her instead , when Geneviève asks him if he's okay , his answer , given after he looks at the floor , sounds more like a lie than a truth.Finaly , when Geneviève leaves , not only does he look at her go back to her car , but slowly approaches the gas station door , keeping her in sight until the very last moment. I really can't tell if he is angry at her , in which case you are right ; he is a winner in all of this , or if he realised the love of his life is married to another man and he , much like her , had to settle for someone else.

@@lafayette7175 That's true, I realized that and Madeleine is definitely the second best choice. But he seems to be in a good place after Algeria + Geneviève's betrayal, he managed to move on with his life and made a pretty good one for him. I secretly hope Guy and Geneviève got back together 30 ou 40 years later though

me too!

+Michel Harfuch I don't cry but I'm always deeply moved - but perhaps for different reasons. I personally think he ended up with the right woman...

I do not think neither Genevieve nor Guy ended up being happy. They just carried on with their lives.. So utterly sad. How many of us hasn't been there? :(

Guy was very happy and you see him go out and greet his wife and start tossing snowballs to his son. He was ok with how everything had ended up. If you remember, Catherine asked Guy if he would like to see his daughter and he said no. I think Genevieve was sadder because, as she mentioned, it was her first time passing through Cherbourg for many years. And also, she had just lost her mom. So she had lost more. The mother, who came between her and Guy, and she had lost Guy. But Guy really hadn't lost. He had started and was running a successful business, had a loving wife and an adorable son. And he had no regrets. Watch it again and I'll bet you'll see the ending differently.

But when his wife told him "i love you guy" he didn't answer. Also, when he is talking with Genevieve, he seems disillusioned and doesn't say "my son" but "the kid"... So.. In my opinion, i think he just try to do his best to be happy, but it's not easy. Guy and Genevieve, both sacrified a part of themself to conform with society. Fucking system :'(

@Voracious Reader True love never dies ? may be... When the night has been too lonely And the road has been too long And you think that love is only For the lucky and the strong Just remember in the winter Far beneath the bitter snow Lies the seed that with the sun's love In the spring becomes the rose

I was drafted but didn't go. I was in England we married I was sentenced to 2 years in my absence. Lost French citizenship. Duel nationality.

@@g4joe My late father was in France he didn't speak any foreign languages , he couldn't escape he had to go to Algeria he saw many awfull things ( on both sides ) he never talked about he came back ( physically ) alive he kept his french nationality , hurrah... he met my mother I was born Lucky you are , you didn't see what he saw

@@barfieuhorsain7273 My father was in the Free French Navy during WW2. I was conceived in France but born in England "my mother welsh, Dad a Breton" . Myself and second son received call up papers. I was married at 17 and a father my brother was 16 and a father. "No we had never been near Tennessee or Kentucky" We had to renounce French citizenship. My two younger brother's are still duel nationality because conscription ended. My father had Medaille militaire and Croix de Guerre. I am sorry your father had to go through that. I was to young for that.

@@g4joe When my father was 7 years old in Normandy in 1944 a German soldier told him : " you must eat if you want to protect your country later ' that's my father had to cope with in Algeria : young people fighting for their freedom cruel destiny Germany had nothing to do in France France had nothing to do in Algeria

@Biel 2001 Don't know why, i think he was great in that movie.

@Bell 01 Really? Why did it ostracize Nino? Edit: FK, THAT ACTOR DIED TODAY. RIP, Nino.

The answer to that is stated in the original film "Fanny" by Maurice Chevalier. Spoken sternly to the biological father: "When you were looking for pleasure, the baby found life. The father is not the one who impregnates, but the one who cares for the child as she is growing up." The daughter will have a very fine father in the classy gentleman who married Genevieve, and who himself in an earlier film that includes him as the same character, has had the tragic loss of an earlier woman he had loved ("Lola").

What's "real"? Bio seed implant / fertilizer? Parenting & Raising a child as a father is more than having fun fertilizing an egg one nite.

Put a Tiger in your Tank, the add.

I’m old enough to remember Esso too. I mean... I see them all over the place.

But it's not necessarily sad. It depends on your mood when you watch it. Because the first time I watched i cried my eyes out for the feeling of loss these two lovers must both have felt. The second time it was different. I was happy. It was clear that Catherine's character was a tad bit sadder but this was probably heightened by the recent loss of her mother, which she mentions. However, Guy was clearly ok. Guy understood that everything happened as it was supposed to and when you see him leave the mechanic's shop at the end and run out to meet his wife and little boy and then starts tossing snowballs to his boy, you realize he is happy and didn't give the "ex" a second thought as she drove away.

He forgot nothing. It still hurts, look how he reacts when she asks how he feels. Both just had to move on...

+real3dtor.com I noticed that to...and I'm one who thinks he ends up with the right woman...

12 years later :) Actually this is the whole point and one should be a bit familiar with French society to grasp all this. Genevieve knew very well that Guy was not dead when she married Roland. In fact, she has a desperate conversation with her mummy in which she states that she is "knocked up" and she would be an idiot if, despite this, Roland accepts to marry her and she refuses. Given their financial situation and the abortion issue in France back then, the societal norms for unmarried mothers and her lost hopes of an ever estranging Guy, who rarely wrote her anymore (probably due to him fighting in the front, but you know how young lovers can perceive this as ignorance) she decides to get married to Cassard and leave the town for good. She knew that this constituted and act of deception against her big love, but it is society, despair, and her mummy who pushed her towards that decision. It is not a decision she made easily but she had sadly no other choice. She did not know if Guy would ever come back and being unmarried, destitute and pregnant with his child was crucial to her decisions in life. Also, we might remember the wedding scene, it reminds rather of a funeral (also masterfully reflected in the actual funeral scene of tante Elise). Guy knew she was pregnant judging from his letters and he knows very well that the kid in the car is his daughter. However much heartbreaking it is that he does not want to meet the child, we can understand this. He has another family already which he needs to protect - if he did meet Françoise, he would start getting attached to her and would probably try to meet her again. Of course, for that to happen, he would probably have to meet her mother, Genevieve, again. Guy is trying to avoid that though, he can barely look at her in the eyes while they have this insignificant small talk; let alone meeting her again someday. He never forgot but wants to forget and all this is pouring already salt into his wounds. The tragic irony here is that at some point in the film, Genevieve sings "Why is absence so cruel to bear? Why is he becoming estranged from me?". And in the end, it was actually she who abandoned him, as Guy, the very moment he comes back to town from the war, he tries to find her in her shop. It is all in all a genius and moving story of two star-crossed lovers, that life itself was too cruel on both of them.