Okay, let's talk about Josee, the Tiger and the Fish. Specifically, that ending. You know the one. Grab your popcorn, because some of you might disagree with me.
I know, I know, it's a beautiful movie. The animation is gorgeous. The characters are compelling. But that ending? Hmmm…
Was it *really* realistic?
Let's be honest. How many fairy tales involve finding true love after a near-death experience and a sudden geographical separation? Not many that I know of.
Tsuneo chasing after Josee felt a bit…forced? Like the movie was checking off a "happy ending" box. I needed a little more grit.
Don't get me wrong, I wanted them to be together. I'm a sap! But the way it happened felt a tad too convenient.
Unpopular Opinion Alert!
Here's where I might lose some of you. Are you ready? I kind of wanted them to *not* end up together. Gasp!
I’m not saying I wanted a sad ending. But maybe something more… bittersweet? Life isn't always sunshine and rainbows, you know?
Perhaps Tsuneo moving on, achieving his dream. Josee finding her own independence, her art flourishing. They both grow as people but separately. Wouldn't that be powerful?
The Power of Independent Growth
Imagine Josee, completely owning her narrative. No dependence on anyone, just pure artistic talent and sheer force of will. That image alone is beautiful.
And Tsuneo could learn to be comfortable with that. Supporting her from afar, knowing he helped her on her path, but respecting her journey. See, still happy, just different.
Maybe that's too harsh? But the original ending left me feeling a bit…empty. Like I'd eaten cotton candy. Sweet, but ultimately unsatisfying.
But wait, there's more!
I understand the appeal of the classic romance. We all love a good love story! Josee, the Tiger and the Fish gave us that, sure.
But sometimes, the most impactful stories are the ones that dare to be different. The ones that challenge our expectations. The ones that remind us that life is complex.
What if, instead of a grand romantic reunion, the ending focused on their individual journeys? Their growth, their resilience, their sheer determination to live life on their own terms?
A Different Kind of Happy Ending?
Picture this: Josee's art exhibition. A massive success. Tsuneo, now a marine biologist, attends, brimming with pride.
They share a knowing glance. A silent acknowledgement of the impact they had on each other's lives. No dramatic declarations of love, just mutual respect and admiration.
Isn't that a beautiful ending too? Maybe even *more* beautiful? A testament to the power of human connection, even without romantic entanglement.
Look, Josee, the Tiger and the Fish is still a fantastic movie. But sometimes, I think we get too caught up in the "happily ever after."
Maybe, just maybe, there's a whole world of storytelling potential in exploring different kinds of "happy." Ones that celebrate independence, growth, and the messy, beautiful reality of life.
So, what do you think? Am I totally off base? Or is there something to be said for a less conventional ending for Josee and Tsuneo?
Let the debate begin!