Growing Up/Last Virgin (1982) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
"Growing Up" (also known as "Last Virgin") is a coming-of-age film that follows a group of teenagers navigating love, friendship, and societal expectations in 1980s Taiwan. The ending sees the protagonist, Ah-Ji, reflecting on his youthful mistakes and personal growth as he moves forward into adulthood. The film concludes with a bittersweet tone, emphasizing the fleeting nature of adolescence and the lessons learned from heartbreak and self-discovery. While some relationships are left unresolved, the ending suggests that Ah-Ji has matured emotionally, even if his romantic dreams remain unfulfilled.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The ending of "Growing Up" (Last Virgin) is a poignant meditation on the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The film's climax centers around Ah-Ji's realization that his idealized love for Ah-Juan may never come to fruition. After a series of misunderstandings, unrequited feelings, and youthful naivety, Ah-Ji comes to terms with the fact that love doesn't always follow the script he imagined. The final scenes show him walking away from his high school days, carrying both regret and a newfound wisdom. The bittersweet nature of the conclusion underscores the universal truth that growing up often means letting go of youthful fantasies.
One of the most significant moments in the ending is Ah-Ji's confrontation with his own immaturity. Throughout the film, he views love as a conquest, influenced by peer pressure and societal expectations of masculinity. However, by the end, he recognizes that his actions-particularly his treatment of women-were flawed. This self-awareness marks his emotional growth. The film doesn't provide a neatly wrapped resolution for his romantic life, but it does suggest that Ah-Ji has evolved beyond his earlier, more selfish behaviors. The open-ended nature of the finale leaves room for interpretation, implying that his journey of self-improvement is ongoing.
Another key aspect of the ending is the fate of Ah-Juan, Ah-Ji's unattainable love interest. While she represents his youthful infatuation, her character arc also highlights the societal pressures faced by young women in that era. The film subtly critiques the double standards of gender roles, showing how Ah-Juan is both idealized and objectified by the male characters. Her ultimate decision-whether to pursue her own path or conform to expectations-is left ambiguous, reinforcing the film's theme that adolescence is a time of uncertainty. The lack of a definitive romantic resolution between her and Ah-Ji serves as a realistic portrayal of how many youthful crushes fade without closure.
The film's final scenes also emphasize the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Through nostalgic cinematography and a reflective tone, "Growing Up" captures the melancholy of leaving behind one's teenage years. The supporting characters, each dealing with their own struggles, further illustrate how growing up is a collective yet deeply personal experience. Some characters achieve their dreams, others face harsh realities, and a few remain stuck in their youthful illusions. This ensemble approach to storytelling ensures that the ending resonates as more than just Ah-Ji's personal journey-it's a snapshot of an entire generation grappling with the transition to adulthood.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Does Ah-Ji ever find true love?
- Possible Answer: The film implies that he will, but not in the way he expected. His growth suggests he'll form healthier relationships in the future.
- What happens to Ah-Juan after high school?
- Possible Answer: She likely moves on, pursuing her own ambitions rather than being tied to Ah-Ji's fantasies.
- Do any of the friend group stay close as adults?
- Possible Answer: Probably not in the same way-the film suggests that friendships often drift apart after adolescence.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
I found the ending of "Growing Up" to be both heartbreaking and deeply relatable. Unlike many coming-of-age films that force a happy resolution, this one embraces the messiness of real life. Ah-Ji's growth feels earned rather than rushed, and the film's refusal to tie up every loose end makes it more authentic. The nostalgic tone perfectly captures the fleeting magic and inevitable disappointments of youth. While some viewers might crave a more definitive conclusion, I appreciate that the film stays true to its themes-sometimes, growing up means accepting that not every story has a clean ending. Overall, it's a beautifully crafted reflection on adolescence that lingers long after the credits roll.