In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for La La Land, we will explain the film’s ending.
Cast
- Ryan Gosling – Sebastian “Seb” Wilder
- Emma Stone – Amelia “Mia” Dolan
- John Legend – Keith
- J. K. Simmons – Bill
- Rosemarie DeWitt – Laura Wilder
- Finn Wittrock – Greg
- Callie Hernandez – Tracy
- Sonoya Mizuno – Caitlin
- Jessica Rothe – Alexis
- Tom Everett Scott – David
- Damien Chazelle – Writer and director
The end of La La Land explained
Recap
In the ending of La La Land, the film jumps ahead five years after the main characters, Sebastian and Mia, have parted ways to pursue their respective careers. Mia has become a successful actress, married, and has a young child. Sebastian has realized his dream of opening his own jazz club, called “Seb’s.” One evening, Mia and her husband accidentally stumble upon Seb’s while looking for a place to have dinner.
As Mia and her husband enter the club, Sebastian, who is playing the piano on stage, recognizes Mia in the audience. The two make eye contact, and Sebastian starts to play a song that was significant to their relationship—the same song he played when they first met. The music triggers a montage, showing an alternate version of events where Sebastian and Mia stayed together and achieved their dreams as a couple.
In this alternate reality, Sebastian and Mia are still passionately in love, and they have a child together. Sebastian supports Mia’s acting career, and Mia helps Sebastian open his jazz club. They enjoy a life filled with love, music, and success. The montage also depicts them attending a premiere of Mia’s breakthrough movie together, showing their happiness and support for each other. The sequence ends with Sebastian playing the same song at his club, but this time, with Mia by his side, applauding and smiling.
As the song finishes, the film cuts back to the actual reality. Both Sebastian and Mia exchange bittersweet smiles, recognizing the life they could have had together. Mia’s husband returns from the bar, and Mia, holding her husband’s hand, leaves the club with him. Sebastian watches them go, a mixture of sadness and acceptance on his face.
In the final moments of La La Land, Sebastian begins to play another tune on the piano, and the camera pans out to reveal the club full of customers enjoying the music. Mia and her husband drive away, and as they reach a familiar intersection, Mia looks back at the view of the city that she once shared with Sebastian. The film ends with both characters looking off into the distance, accepting the reality of their separate lives and the sacrifices they made to achieve their dreams.
Meaning
The ending of La La Land delves deep into the human condition, evoking both joy and sorrow as it ties up the film’s most prominent themes: the pursuit of dreams, the strength of love, and the inevitability of sacrifice.
At the core of La La Land lies the struggle between ambition and love. The two protagonists, Mia and Sebastian, are pursuing individual career paths: Mia as an aspiring actress and Sebastian as a jazz musician. The film explores the challenges they face in achieving these goals, as well as the sacrifices they must make along the way. The movie’s ending delivers a powerful message about the nature of dreams and the importance of staying true to oneself. When Sebastian encourages Mia to attend a casting call that could potentially change her life, he demonstrates his unwavering support, even if it means putting their relationship at risk.
This climactic moment forces both characters to confront the consequences of their actions and the reality of the sacrifices they have made. The film’s final moments, set five years into the future, show the audience that Mia and Sebastian have indeed achieved their dreams. Mia has become a successful actress, while Sebastian has opened his own jazz club. The realizaiton is bittersweet, however, as they are no longer together.
The movie’s ending is made even more poignant through the inclusion of an alternate reality sequence, wherein Mia and Sebastian imagine what their lives could have been like had they made different choices. This montage showcases the life they could have shared, filled with love, happiness, and support for each other. This “what if” sequence is a stark contrast to their actual lives, ultimately driving home the realization that dreams can come at the cost of love and personal relationships.
While the ending of La La Land offers resolution in terms of the characters’ aspirations, it leaves audiences with a sense of longing and wonder about their futures. Despite their success, the lingering question remains: Was the sacrifice worth it? The film invites viewers to consider their own dreams and the potential sacrifices required to achieve them.
The powerful imagery, dialogue, and storytelling throughout La La Land contribute to the emotional impact of the movie’s ending, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of happiness and fulfillment. Ultimately, the film prompts the audience to question whether dreams and love can coexist, or if one must inevitably be sacrificed for the other. The characters’ journeys serve as a poignant reminder that life is a series of choices, each with its own set of consequences and rewards.
In the end, La La Land challenges the notion of a conventional “happily ever after” and instead embraces the bittersweet reality of life’s complexities. The film’s resolution encourages viewers to embrace both the joy and the sorrow that accompanies the pursuit of dreams and the sacrifices made along the way. By exploring these themes, La La Land leaves an indelible mark on its audience, encouraging them to consider the true meaning of happiness and fulfillment as they navigate the complexities of their own lives.
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