The Way We Were (1973) Ending Explained
tl;dr: The Way We Were (1973) ends with Katie (Barbra Streisand) and Hubbell (Robert Redford) reuniting briefly years after their divorce, only to part ways forever. Their ideological differences - Katie's passionate activism vs. Hubbell's easygoing privilege-ultimately doom their relationship, though their love remains undeniable. The film's bittersweet conclusion underscores the theme that love isn't always enough to overcome fundamental incompatibilities.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The final scene of The Way We Were takes place years after Katie and Hubbell's divorce, when they accidentally meet outside the Plaza Hotel in New York. Hubbell, now remarried to a woman more aligned with his WASP-y, apolitical lifestyle, greets Katie warmly. Their conversation is tinged with nostalgia and unspoken regret. Katie, still as idealistic as ever, adjusts Hubbell's scarf-a tender callback to their first meeting-before they say goodbye for the last time. The film closes with a flashback to their happier days at college, emphasizing the fleeting nature of their romance. This ending suggests that while their love was real, their differences in values and priorities made a lasting union impossible.
Themes Reinforced by the Ending
The ending crystallizes the film's central theme: the collision of personal passion and societal expectations. Katie, a fiery Marxist and advocate for social justice, never compromises her beliefs, while Hubbell, a gifted but complacent writer, drifts through life avoiding conflict. Their love is intense but unsustainable because they inhabit fundamentally different worlds. The final meeting highlights how time hasn't erased their connection, but neither has it resolved their incompatibility. The flashback reminds us that their love was pure in its moment, even if it couldn't endure. The film suggests that some relationships are meant to be temporary, leaving behind only memories of what could have been.
Unresolved Questions
- Why didn't Hubbell fight harder for their marriage?
- Possible Answer: His passive nature and fear of upheaval made him unwilling to fully embrace Katie's world.
- Could Katie have been happier with someone more politically aligned?
- Possible Answer: Perhaps, but her love for Hubbell was tied to his charm and the escapism he represented.
- Does Hubbell regret his choices?
- Possible Answer: His nostalgic demeanor in the final scene implies regret, but he may also recognize their relationship was untenable.
Personal Opinion on the Ending
The ending of The Way We Were is heartbreaking yet realistic. It avoids the cliché of a forced happy ending, instead delivering a poignant meditation on love and loss. Streisand and Redford's chemistry makes the final scene devastating-their lingering affection is palpable, but so is the inevitability of their separation. The film's refusal to sugarcoat their differences is its greatest strength, though it leaves viewers yearning for a resolution that never comes. As a romance, it's unforgettable precisely because it doesn't offer easy answers.
Final Thoughts on the Film
The Way We Were remains a classic because it captures the agony of loving someone who can't-or won't-love you the way you need. The ending is a masterclass in emotional ambiguity, leaving audiences to ponder whether the brief, intense connection Katie and Hubbell shared was worth the pain of its dissolution. The film's enduring power lies in its honesty: sometimes, love isn't enough, and the saddest goodbyes are the ones where both people still care deeply but know they can't stay. It's a testament to the performances and writing that the ending feels both inevitable and unbearably tragic.