Four Brothers (2005) Ending Explained
tl;dr:
Four Brothers (2005) is a gritty revenge thriller directed by John Singleton, following four adopted brothers - Bobby (Mark Wahlberg), Angel (Tyrese Gibson), Jeremiah (André Benjamin), and Jack (Garrett Hedlund)—who reunite to avenge their mother's murder. The ending reveals their mother, Evelyn Mercer, was killed by corrupt cops and a crime boss to cover up her knowledge of a police corruption ring. The brothers exact brutal revenge, killing the perpetrators, but Jack dies in the process. The surviving brothers honor their mother's memory, implying they'll continue to live by her values despite their violent actions.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Four Brothers is a chaotic and emotionally charged sequence where the Mercer brothers confront the people responsible for their mother's death. After uncovering the truth-that Evelyn was murdered because she recognized Victor Sweet (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a ruthless crime lord, in a police lineup-they realize the corruption extends to Detective Fowler (Josh Charles), who orchestrated the hit. The brothers storm Sweet's hideout in a violent shootout, with Jack sacrificing himself to save Bobby. The final confrontation is brutal and personal, with Bobby executing Sweet and Fowler, ensuring justice is served outside the law.
The ending is bittersweet, as the surviving brothers bury Jack alongside their mother. The film closes with them reminiscing about their childhood, emphasizing the unbreakable bond Evelyn fostered despite their troubled pasts. The brothers' revenge is cathartic but comes at a heavy cost, reinforcing the film's themes of family, loyalty, and the cyclical nature of violence. While they achieve vengeance, the loss of Jack serves as a reminder that their actions have irreversible consequences. The final shot of them laughing together suggests they'll move forward, still united by their mother's love.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
What happens to the brothers after the events of the film?
- Likely: They return to their lives but remain close, honoring Evelyn's memory.
- Alternatively: Bobby may continue his reckless ways, while Angel and Jeremiah try to live more stable lives.
Does the police corruption go unpunished?
- Likely: With Fowler dead, the department might cover it up, leaving systemic issues unresolved.
- Alternatively: Another officer (like Lt. Green) could investigate, leading to further fallout.
Was Evelyn's death truly just about recognizing Sweet?
- Possible: She may have known more about the corruption, making her a bigger target.
- Or: Sweet feared she'd testify, but the motive was kept simple for narrative impact.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Four Brothers succeeds as a visceral, emotionally driven revenge story, elevated by strong performances-particularly Wahlberg's intensity and Ejiofor's chilling villainy. The ending delivers satisfying catharsis but doesn't shy away from the cost of vengeance. Jack's death is a poignant moment, grounding the film's hyper-violent climax in real emotional stakes. However, the film's reliance on genre tropes (corrupt cops, the "avenging family" trope) keeps it from being truly groundbreaking. The final scene, while touching, feels somewhat idealized-would these brothers, after such trauma, really just laugh it off? Still, as a gritty, pulpy thriller with heart, Four Brothers sticks the landing with a brutal yet sentimental finale.
The movie's strength lies in its portrayal of brotherhood, and the ending solidifies that theme. It doesn't offer a clean resolution-justice is messy, and the brothers are forever changed-but it stays true to its roots: a story about love, loyalty, and the lengths family will go to for each other. If you can stomach the violence, it's a rewarding ride.