Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong (2015) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong is a romantic indie film about two strangers, Ruby and Josh, who meet by chance in Hong Kong and spend a magical night together, only to reunite a year later. The ambiguous ending leaves their relationship unresolved, with Ruby seemingly choosing to stay in Hong Kong and pursue a connection with Josh, but the film deliberately avoids a clear-cut resolution, instead emphasizing the fleeting, serendipitous nature of their encounter. The film explores themes of timing, cultural identity, and the uncertainty of romantic connections in a transient city like Hong Kong.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong is intentionally open-ended, leaving viewers to ponder whether Ruby and Josh will finally commit to a relationship or continue their pattern of missed connections. After their initial night together, they reunite a year later, and the chemistry between them is still palpable. However, Ruby is now in a relationship, and Josh is preparing to leave Hong Kong. The final scene shows Ruby running after Josh in the rain, suggesting a possible rekindling of their connection, but the film cuts to black before revealing their ultimate decision. This ambiguity reflects the film's central theme: the unpredictability of love and timing in a fast-paced, transient city.
The film's conclusion is deeply tied to its setting - Hong Kong-a city that serves as both a backdrop and a metaphor for the characters' transient lives. Ruby, an American expat, and Josh, a Chinese-American visiting for work, are both outsiders in the city, mirroring their emotional limbo. The neon-lit streets and crowded alleys amplify the sense of impermanence, reinforcing the idea that their connection, while intense, may be fleeting. The ending's lack of resolution suggests that some relationships are meant to exist in moments rather than lifetimes, leaving the audience to imagine whether Ruby and Josh will defy the odds or part ways once more.
Unresolved Questions
Do Ruby and Josh end up together?
- Possible Answer 1: Yes, Ruby's decision to run after him implies she's choosing him over her current relationship.
- Possible Answer 2: No, their timing is always off, and they may part ways again, preserving the magic of their brief encounter.
Why does Ruby hesitate until the last moment?
- Possible Answer 1: She's torn between stability (her current relationship) and passion (Josh).
- Possible Answer 2: She fears repeating past mistakes, as she mentions her tendency to run from good things.
What does Hong Kong symbolize in their relationship?
- Possible Answer 1: A place of possibility but also impermanence, mirroring their on-and-off connection.
- Possible Answer 2: A crossroads where their cultural identities (Ruby as an expat, Josh as a diaspora Chinese) intersect but don't fully align.
Personal Opinion on the Ending and the Film
I find the ending both frustrating and beautifully realistic. Romantic films often tie things up neatly, but Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong resists that trope, opting for a more authentic portrayal of how timing and circumstance shape relationships. The chemistry between the leads (played by real-life couple Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg) feels genuine, making their will-they-won't-they dynamic compelling. The film's strength lies in its restraint-it doesn't force a happy ending but instead lets the ambiguity linger, much like real-life romantic dilemmas. Hong Kong's vibrant cinematography adds to the dreamlike quality of their connection, making the unresolved ending feel like a natural conclusion to their story.
The film's exploration of cultural identity also adds depth. Ruby's struggle with belonging-neither fully American nor integrated into Hong Kong-parallels her uncertainty about love. Josh, too, grapples with his Chinese heritage while feeling like an outsider. Their conversations about identity enrich the romance, making it more than just a meet-cute. The ending's ambiguity extends to these themes, leaving viewers to ponder whether their cultural differences would ultimately unite or divide them.
Ultimately, Already Tomorrow in Hong Kong is a refreshing take on the romantic genre. It doesn't provide easy answers but instead invites reflection on how fleeting connections can be as meaningful as lasting ones. The ending may not satisfy those craving closure, but it stays true to the film's ethos: some relationships are about the journey, not the destination.