Discuss The War Zone
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The War zone's ending
posted by Edward GomezSTAFFMOD on August 1, 2019 at 1:33 PM
I'd like to know what people think about this movie's ending, do they commit suicide? or do they consummate that ambiguous incestuous feelings? Tom & Jessie. That girl Lara Belmont deserved an Oscar for her performance, and Ray Winstone as usual performs one of his master roles besides Sexy Beast. it's clear in the movie that something was going going on between them, at least in their minds. Excellent movie, Tim Roth is a genius, does anyone know another movie directed by him?
Reply by northcoast
on August 2, 2019 at 9:01 AM
Hi, Edward.
I didn't get the impression at all that either Tom or Jessie were going to commit suicide, much less start having sex with each other.
Back on the old IMDB, there was speculation that, given the level of abuse that Jessie had suffered, and considering that Tom was only trying to prevent it from continuing, that Tom, still a minor as he was under 18, would've been treated relatively leniently by the criminal justice system, while Jessie would've been put in counseling (perhaps in an inpatient facility at first, since she could be considered an accessory to what Tom did to their father). I tend to agree with this.
A few years in the British equivalent of juvenile detention for Tom, with mandatory counseling for both him and Jessie. Remember also that their mother was enraged when she found out what their father (her husband) had been up to, and this could help them at trial (I also got the impression that she suspected her husband of these things for some time, which could point to her possible negligence, which could also help her children at trial).
As for Tom and Jessie's feelings for each other? I just didn't get the vibe that they were or desired to be incestuous. Opposite-sex siblings can be quite affectionate with each other, without it indicating any kind of sexual desire.
These opinions are just my own; you are free to have your own:)
Reply by Edward Gomez
on August 2, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Thank you Mr Northcoast; , maybe I'm wrong but I got that impression by looking at they way they stared at each other, https://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/review/primary_image/reviews/the-war-zone-2000/hero_EB20000114REVIEWS1140302AR.jpg subtle sexual; innuendos and sex-charged dialogues, no sister would tell her brother that she wanks off in the loo just to battle an interminable ennui, or be bare breasted in front of him like being a normal situation,although Tom seems comfortable with her casual nudity, besides why did she stop her friend from having sex with Tom? These situations could pass inadvertently or taken lightly without any other intention in a different scenario, not in this movie the way they are rolled, besides I also read that in the book they 'do it'. Very disturbing film indeed with very dark matter, in the legal context about the aftermath of the crime I agree and like your analysis. Thank you again for your response. Ed