I just saw this film last night, and I have to admit I cried alittle when I saw this scene. I have got to give points to the movies for that, of course Jack was the right person for the actor.
When I first saw this movie, I was 13 thinking that this would be another boring movie my mom put in for background noise. But as sat and watched, my opinion slowly changed. Watching film made me feel nothing else but everything for Schmidt to the point when this scene happened. I'm 17 now and I have tears on my key board, the same tears I had four years ago from watching this scene.
The reason why I saw the film was because of its title. When I saw the film I was moved by its messages and that the character Warren Schmidt had a slight resemblance to my father, but it’s a film we can all relate as we get older. As Warren Schmidt asks," ...to make some kind of difference, but what kind of difference have I made because of me?" Wow, the final scene carries so many meaningful messages for us all. We all can make a difference. God Bless!
This scene is so elemental - it is so humane - it is like the essence of life - the scene reaches so much deeper than most people will see within it. It says so much about human life on earth in such a very small gesture- especially regarding the whole movie - really a grand finale in cinematography and drama!
This ending was amazingly touching. All the time, all he knew was complaining about his life to a poor human being who's life was a tragedy. Maybe he was identifying with that child and thought he would understand him. In the end, he was expecting to receive something formal, without essence, maybe a few phrases composed by someone else but all he got was a simple drawing, yet so powerful, that brought him joy and another perspective upon life.
One of the few movies that have made me cry. I cried at this scene. Ndugu's drawing is deeply touching. I wish I could embrace and help every poor child from Africa! God bless them all!
Re: 'melodrama' discussion below: it meant a drama using music to heighten emotions. 17th century opera and so on. It's the emotional sweetener we now hardly realize is there. It has come to mean little or no relation between cause and effect, cheap emotion, unrealistic behavior and situations. It's the reason parents used to tell their kids comic books were bad for them in the 1930s. It's fun to be emotionally manipulated. Though it didn't start there, Hollywood perfected it.
I found this film to be deeply moving, with a clear message for everyone: Do what you can to make the world a better place, because all that you acquire in your life will mean nothing in the end. However, some critics came to the exact opposite conclusion. Cole Smithey wrote, "The picture endorses, nay lionizes, complacency, inaction and the privilege of the greedy to steal whatever they covet simply because they are treacherous enough to do it." Can someone explain this to me?
This is one of those rare instances where a "happy ending" manages to be consistent with everything that's been established in a film beforehand, including its cynical tone, while completely subverting and defying it at the same time.
The entire movie exists for this one scene, as far as I'm concerned. Absolutely magnificent.
it s not only about the feeling of having made a difference in someone's life but also the feeling of being connected...feeling a connection with someone finally in your life.. i think that warren schmidt didnt feel connected with anyone in his entire life...incredible movie
El sr Schmidt recibe una carta de su "hijo adoptivo" Ndugu de Tanzania...
"Estimado Sr Warren Schmidt, soy la hna Nadine Gautier de la Ordén de las Hermanas del Sagrado Corazón, trabajo en una aldea pequeña cerca de Embeya en Tanzania. Uno de los niños a mi cuidado es el pequeño Ndugu Umbu, el niño que ud apadrina. Hace poco necesitó atención medica por una infección en los ojos, pero ya está mejor- Le gusta comer melón y dibujar. Ndugu quiere que sepa que él recibió todas sus cartas
@Antibearvirus Your definition of "melodramatic" is correct. So what exactly was exaggerated? The score? It was very quiet and understated. Nicholson's reaction? His head barely moved. His tears were urgent, but hardly soap opera level tears. The letter from Ndugu? Actually quite mundane. Just a simple, heartfelt "thank you" note for sending that little bit of money and letters. The picture was just a typical crayon drawing you might see on any family's refrigerator. No melodrama here.
@bookgirlish Just because the score doesn't have Celine Dion level sod music doesn't mean that it isn't melodramatic, a scene could be exaggerated even without soap opera level tears.
The thing that I think really does this quite melodramatic is that the movie tries to keep it subtle but completely fails.
No offense, I really enjoyed the movie but I didn't like the ending.
@Antibearvirus Would you prefer an ending where Schmidt walks into a hospital and throws an incendiary grenade into the baby ward? Or maybe a nine-minute sequence of Schmidt raping and beating to death a helpless woman in some dark, claustrophobic tunnel?
Not every conclusion to a movie needs to be a descent into an abyss of nihilistic despair, you know.
@TheBermudaMan I never said that, all I said was that I thought this was a desperate attempt to get a shock reaction from the audience, I'm fine with this concept... but they could've showed it in a more subtle way.
@Antibearvirus This scene defines subtlety. It's not exactly the end of Steel Magnolias. Now that is shock value, that is melodrama. Like someone prior said, this scene is the whole reason for everything that came before it. Far from showing desperation, it shows confidence in the overall message of the film. How would you have concluded the film?
@Antibearvirus I think your criticism reflects your frustration in not being able to understand this scene and how it's contribution is not only powerful but also gives closure to the character's journey and the overall cynical tone of the story. Everyone else seems to "get it", what's with you?
It's an amazing film, appropriately under noticed, about our own feelings of insignificance in this world...it is one of my ten favorite ever...nicholson is at his best in this.
For as much credit as Jack gets for this scene - and he deserves it - it's a great concept put to paper by Payne and the voice actor who reads the letter script also are a big part of what makes this scene so special.
I still have never seen it without crying. One of the most beautiful scenes ever filmed and criminally underrated at that.
He cries both because he's ashamed at how negative of a person he has been, both in his life and in his letters to Ndugu, and tears of joy at the simple beauty of life captured in the painting. Here's this letter describing a horribly unfortunate young boy, no money, sick, but who loves to eat melon and makes happy paintings and wants his sponsor to be happy. Warren regrets that he's been anything but.
I wonder if the scene shows how little he has. By the end of the film he acknowledges that he's accomplished nothing with his life, and now he sees what COULD have been.
This really brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.Warren comes home after the wedding feeling a failure.From his retirement to his wifes indescretion to his objection to the wedding he lost-his life has no meaning.Then he gets a letter from Ndugu and finds that the little money he tossed in an envelope saved the life of a child-so his life does have meaning, he did make a difference to someone.Beautiful.
dude i thought he was crying because ndugu wasnt even like someone he could talk to. he was just a little kid and here he was telling him all about his life and shit
I was 25 (a guy), and on a whim I went to see this in the theater by myself, not really knowing what to expect, but I love Jack. After this scene took place, I sat there balling my eyes out. Jack's performance brought out every emotion and sad/happy time in my life up to that point, and it was an overwhelming experience. I will always love him for giving me that moment.
Jack Nicholson is a lot of things. He's my favorite Joker, starred in the best movie based on a Steven King story, made an Adam Sandler movie funny to many people who'd otherwise run for the hills, is the only reason you can sit through "Mars Attacks!", and can convey a broader scope of emotions with the ending of a movie than maybe anyone alive or now deceased. People claim Brando is the greatest actor of the last 60 years, but I think very differently. If I had half Jack's talent, I'd be rich.
Heres a story of my experience. I live in Nebraska, and my dad had a heart attack unexpectingly. I cry so hard after this film was over, because since Nicholson's wife died in the film, it is a similar story to me also because it relates in the midwest. To me, its an underrated drama movie, I just love it.
even halfway through the letter it was hard to hold back the tears, the jorney we as the audience have gone through with this man makes it all the sweeter
This movie, Groundhog Day, and Up in the Air are the three most incredible comedies about the human condition ever made. And Paul Blart: Mall Cop, of course.
This is honestly one of the most powerful scenes I have ever watched; if you watch the whole movie and see how his life has been and then watch this, it is incredibly moving.
Almost unbearably touching... Like nothing else in film history in my opinion (though I think many people confuse being sad with being moved, when it comes to this ending).
I agree, this for me is the most profoundly touching moment in cinematic history. What I love about it is that for the whole movie, you see his letters as a catharsis of everything that he's ever repressed, you didn't really give much thought to the fact that it might have been affecting another human being. Then when he was at his lowest, the reciprocation of that love and altruism came back to comfort him and make his life worthwhile. For me it's the most life-affirming movie ending there is
I think anyone who is open to feeling with the heart just cries everytime they see this. It's an amazing scene. I'm so glad they did this! It always reminds me of the Truth of compassion and oneness. Thanks for the upload! Really inspiring!
@dissent88 I think some of us wake up to the fact that most of our lives here in America is built around mindless material chatter, sex, and ego. Then one wakes up to the fact that a little child, spirit, energy can be so changed by such a small act of kindness. It shakes us down to our soul:) I cried too:)
Wonderful ending. I thought the voice of the European nun reading the letter was also a very effective filming device. Her voiceover (that of a lady who's been doing charity work in Africa for years, presumably) contrasted sharply with the banal musings of Schmidt throughout the movie.
This scene hit me so hard when I first saw this movie. Since then it has become one of my favorite movies. One of Jack's best characters that's for sure.
My gosh, I'm crying again. Once we make good for people, we start to experience love and joy for life. We can keep our whole life trying to satisfy our own needs and it will never end.
Wow - one of the most touching scenes in screen history. I remember watching this in the cinema. The movie stopped quite suddenly, as is apparent, and as the courtesy light faded up, people just remained sitting, crying...
I too cried. I did not find it sad in the least bit though. In fact, I found it very happy and inspirational. Schmidt knows he made a difference in someone's life. Even though we can't say what happens after the movie, the fact the film cuts to black with him smiling IMO means a new beginning to Warren's life, one of happiness and solace. Much like how the beginning was a musicless jump cut montage of the colorless city and the building of the company he devoted his life to.
Don't think it's his absolute best work (Chinatown or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest anyone?), but this movie was so powerful, I was caught off guard. Especially this final scene. Jack just keeps on going, while his contemporaries such as Pacino and De Niro, both among the best of all time, are quickly becoming self-parodies of themselves and, though understandably, it's sad to see them past their prime. Jack's just that damn good.
A tremendously powerful scene and a film that will perhaps, over time, go down as Nicholson's finest work. He is an American treasure. Most actors at his age are winding down and are well beyond their best work. He, on the other hand, produces this masterpiece. Thank you Alexander Payne and THANK YOU JACK NICHOLSON.
good movie, but this scene reveals that I'm a skeptical, jaded, biiter, cold-hearted SOB despite being realistic and pragmatic. The letter has stock/standard charity reply all over it. I agree Schmidt cried because he realized he made a difference, but I saw that ending coming and it's quite pathetic
he cries because he figure out, that at least one person love him and thanks him for his help... i think it's important for every human to know that thers somebody who needs you!
he cries because he figure out, that at least one person love him and thanks him for his help... i think it's important for every human to know that thers somebody who needs you!
I don't think the impact was in the letter nearly as much as it was in the picture. That's when it hit me, anyway. I find something beautiful in such a simple realization and message as this.
I really think this whole thing, culminating in this last scene, is much deeper than the fact that he realizes he has been important in somebody's life...that he makes a difference through his donations, etc. Throughout the whole movie, he is surrounded by mediocre wretchedness, at best. Ndugu clearly has a capacity for love and goodness well beyond most of the characters in the movie. I think that's what brings Schmidt to tears.
The way I understand it is that we all make a difference in at least somebodys life. Nicholson's character was just watching tv and saw this ad and thought "why not". He did this as a careless hobby and at possibly hes loneliest hour he realizes that what he thought was a petty act of charity inevitably became a reason to know that he has made a difference in the world and that at least one person carries on his memory.we should never think, that we dont matter. this always brings me to tears.
nice written. interesting, while surfing on youtube, the video I was watching before this one was "HIM - Join me in death" with the line "your life ain't worth living" - 180 degrees opposite message.... ;)
I saw the last ten minutes of this at the theater, and I was amazed that Jack is still as versatile as he was in "cuckoo's nest". This is an ending that have never forgotten.
A very simple movie, beautiful though. It's so important to give to other people, to share what belong to us. Like time, money, goods, food, love. Thank you for this video on youtube. I'm a better man after watching it.
Jack is truly an amazing actor. This crying scene proves that it is okay for an actor to cry.:)Most actors don't do that. And Jack did..and is still doin it.:)
they say, it´s almost more difficult to make people laugh than make them cry; but this scene is so touching and authentic - ihmo - Jack Nicholson is crying for real
When I first watched this, I was just bawling at the end. One of the best scenes with Jack Nicholson, and one of the better movies I have seen overall.
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When I first saw this scene I felt differently. Like Jack was trying to change someone else's life, but realizes that that the boy never really read any of his letters and that the image was just stock, and probably done in a workshop.
Being a 22 year old guy, I hate to admit when I cry. However, this ending definitely made me teary eyed once I saw it, and I consider it one of the best movies that I have ever seen. I say so because the movie made me feel what Schmidt feels at the end. It is sad and happy all at the same time. Even at the funny parts, a little part of me felt the sadness of the situation. I consider it best because of the range of emotions it made me feel throughout the movie.
Considering my eyes usually glaze over at hammy sponsorship commercials, it's ironic that this scene touched me more profoundly than any other in recent memory. Maybe if Alex Payne directed those commericials, he'd enlist a few hundred more participants. :)
I could not hold back my manly tears.
MrKinloch999 1 week ago
Beautiful ending to a beautiful movie!
jeffm3189 2 weeks ago
I just saw this film last night, and I have to admit I cried alittle when I saw this scene. I have got to give points to the movies for that, of course Jack was the right person for the actor.
finalmasterlink 1 month ago
Nobody can touch Nicholson. One of the greats. We cried like 4 year olds watching this last night.
molly688 1 month ago
Jack is a guy's guy. It's impossible not to share the emotion.
magbast9 1 month ago
When I first saw this movie, I was 13 thinking that this would be another boring movie my mom put in for background noise. But as sat and watched, my opinion slowly changed. Watching film made me feel nothing else but everything for Schmidt to the point when this scene happened. I'm 17 now and I have tears on my key board, the same tears I had four years ago from watching this scene.
thank you for posting, thank you
ultilinium8 1 month ago
This is one of my favorite scenes in any film.
rh1252 1 month ago
この映画本当に好きだ。ラストで全部持って行かれた。
eorui1109 1 month ago
I cried like a little girl when I saw this at the movies & I still tear up every time I watch this.
lonebison 2 months ago
The reason why I saw the film was because of its title. When I saw the film I was moved by its messages and that the character Warren Schmidt had a slight resemblance to my father, but it’s a film we can all relate as we get older. As Warren Schmidt asks," ...to make some kind of difference, but what kind of difference have I made because of me?" Wow, the final scene carries so many meaningful messages for us all. We all can make a difference. God Bless!
hectorschmidt2000 2 months ago
I thought the movie was quite mediocre until this scene and suddenly its profoundness came crashing down and hit me like a ton of bricks.
john84753 2 months ago
Like many, I cried watching this ending, wonderful actor
encabulator 2 months ago
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Ah, it was good to see Cheryl Hamada in this film, perhaps Chicago's greatest actress!!!
GaryRayBetz 2 months ago
This scene is so elemental - it is so humane - it is like the essence of life - the scene reaches so much deeper than most people will see within it. It says so much about human life on earth in such a very small gesture- especially regarding the whole movie - really a grand finale in cinematography and drama!
lastannahme 3 months ago
This ending was amazingly touching. All the time, all he knew was complaining about his life to a poor human being who's life was a tragedy. Maybe he was identifying with that child and thought he would understand him. In the end, he was expecting to receive something formal, without essence, maybe a few phrases composed by someone else but all he got was a simple drawing, yet so powerful, that brought him joy and another perspective upon life.
FlameBird001 3 months ago 4
Ahhh... it feels good to know real men (like J. N. or Mr. Schmidt) can cry.
lastannahme 3 months ago
One of the few movies that have made me cry. I cried at this scene. Ndugu's drawing is deeply touching. I wish I could embrace and help every poor child from Africa! God bless them all!
amontardo 3 months ago
Re: 'melodrama' discussion below: it meant a drama using music to heighten emotions. 17th century opera and so on. It's the emotional sweetener we now hardly realize is there. It has come to mean little or no relation between cause and effect, cheap emotion, unrealistic behavior and situations. It's the reason parents used to tell their kids comic books were bad for them in the 1930s. It's fun to be emotionally manipulated. Though it didn't start there, Hollywood perfected it.
syater 3 months ago
Very touching. We are not always aware of how our small acts of kindness or sincere words will impact others.
shalimarsgirl 3 months ago
Bufff.... Amazing!
Zhersh1 3 months ago
Every time I'm having a pity-party for myself, I pop in my DVD and watch this scene. I'm humbled every time. :(
DickieAnginson 4 months ago 3
Thank you Jack...
Juachan 4 months ago
Powerful ending - besides, I love the voice of the woman with the french accent!
pierneus 5 months ago
I found this film to be deeply moving, with a clear message for everyone: Do what you can to make the world a better place, because all that you acquire in your life will mean nothing in the end. However, some critics came to the exact opposite conclusion. Cole Smithey wrote, "The picture endorses, nay lionizes, complacency, inaction and the privilege of the greedy to steal whatever they covet simply because they are treacherous enough to do it." Can someone explain this to me?
eamorris 5 months ago
This is one of those rare instances where a "happy ending" manages to be consistent with everything that's been established in a film beforehand, including its cynical tone, while completely subverting and defying it at the same time.
The entire movie exists for this one scene, as far as I'm concerned. Absolutely magnificent.
TheBermudaMan 6 months ago 2
it s not only about the feeling of having made a difference in someone's life but also the feeling of being connected...feeling a connection with someone finally in your life.. i think that warren schmidt didnt feel connected with anyone in his entire life...incredible movie
wreyoG 6 months ago
El sr Schmidt recibe una carta de su "hijo adoptivo" Ndugu de Tanzania...
"Estimado Sr Warren Schmidt, soy la hna Nadine Gautier de la Ordén de las Hermanas del Sagrado Corazón, trabajo en una aldea pequeña cerca de Embeya en Tanzania. Uno de los niños a mi cuidado es el pequeño Ndugu Umbu, el niño que ud apadrina. Hace poco necesitó atención medica por una infección en los ojos, pero ya está mejor- Le gusta comer melón y dibujar. Ndugu quiere que sepa que él recibió todas sus cartas
argeboy 6 months ago
Finally, he found some sense to life...
lisugi 8 months ago 2
@blasphemator when you get the chance and your sister isn't looking, you get your little todger out and let her baby play with it....
MickeyLove01 8 months ago
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This movie could've had a better ending, I mean this is just abit too melodramatic.
Antibearvirus 8 months ago
@Antibearvirus I don't think you have a clear idea of what the word "melodramatic" means. This scene was not melodramatic.
bookgirlish 6 months ago
@bookgirlish
Melodramatic: Exaggeratedly emotional or sentimental characterized by false pathos and sentiment.
As much as I am a fan of Nicholson this scene felt more like the director tried to pull of a cheap shock reaction for the audience.
Antibearvirus 6 months ago
@Antibearvirus Your definition of "melodramatic" is correct. So what exactly was exaggerated? The score? It was very quiet and understated. Nicholson's reaction? His head barely moved. His tears were urgent, but hardly soap opera level tears. The letter from Ndugu? Actually quite mundane. Just a simple, heartfelt "thank you" note for sending that little bit of money and letters. The picture was just a typical crayon drawing you might see on any family's refrigerator. No melodrama here.
bookgirlish 6 months ago
@bookgirlish Just because the score doesn't have Celine Dion level sod music doesn't mean that it isn't melodramatic, a scene could be exaggerated even without soap opera level tears.
The thing that I think really does this quite melodramatic is that the movie tries to keep it subtle but completely fails.
No offense, I really enjoyed the movie but I didn't like the ending.
Antibearvirus 6 months ago
@Antibearvirus Would you prefer an ending where Schmidt walks into a hospital and throws an incendiary grenade into the baby ward? Or maybe a nine-minute sequence of Schmidt raping and beating to death a helpless woman in some dark, claustrophobic tunnel?
Not every conclusion to a movie needs to be a descent into an abyss of nihilistic despair, you know.
TheBermudaMan 5 months ago
@TheBermudaMan I never said that, all I said was that I thought this was a desperate attempt to get a shock reaction from the audience, I'm fine with this concept... but they could've showed it in a more subtle way.
Antibearvirus 5 months ago
@Antibearvirus This scene defines subtlety. It's not exactly the end of Steel Magnolias. Now that is shock value, that is melodrama. Like someone prior said, this scene is the whole reason for everything that came before it. Far from showing desperation, it shows confidence in the overall message of the film. How would you have concluded the film?
bookgirlish 4 months ago
@TheBermudaMan LOLOLOLOLOL I love you.
chocolatechick101 4 months ago
@Antibearvirus I think your criticism reflects your frustration in not being able to understand this scene and how it's contribution is not only powerful but also gives closure to the character's journey and the overall cynical tone of the story. Everyone else seems to "get it", what's with you?
NemeanLion 5 months ago
@Antibearvirus Wrong...
Mistermax30 5 months ago
@Mistermax30 No.
Antibearvirus 5 months ago
One of the very few moments that almost made my cry.
ThatLastGuy 8 months ago
I cried :)....
usmcpvtswat 9 months ago
@forger93 np
Soundnous 10 months ago
@forger93 Because he was going through life thinking he was a worthless shit, then he realized his life made a difference to somebody after all.
Soundnous 10 months ago 4
It's an amazing film, appropriately under noticed, about our own feelings of insignificance in this world...it is one of my ten favorite ever...nicholson is at his best in this.
scultra37 10 months ago
@forger93 Because up until this point in the movie, he felt that he had hadn't done anything noteworthy or made an impact on anyone's life.
Jeremy252 10 months ago
Comment removed
HolySasquatchTurd 1 year ago
I don't want to ruin this moment, because I got teary eyed too.
But the woman wrote that the kid loves melon...
Mrster 1 year ago 6
@Mrster hey that's pretty funny......great comment!
misko1961 11 months ago
@Mrster= u haven't ruined, it, it is quite funny
SLopyshOOter1497 11 months ago
Comment removed
SLopyshOOter1497 11 months ago
one of my favorite moments in cinema.
TheJoyfulPianist 1 year ago
The last minute is my favorite scene in Jack Nicholson's career.
56FiftySix 1 year ago 2
Not surprising that Jack has 3 Oscars.
jaxl2009 1 year ago 11
For as much credit as Jack gets for this scene - and he deserves it - it's a great concept put to paper by Payne and the voice actor who reads the letter script also are a big part of what makes this scene so special.
I still have never seen it without crying. One of the most beautiful scenes ever filmed and criminally underrated at that.
boknowsbaseball 1 year ago 5
He cries both because he's ashamed at how negative of a person he has been, both in his life and in his letters to Ndugu, and tears of joy at the simple beauty of life captured in the painting. Here's this letter describing a horribly unfortunate young boy, no money, sick, but who loves to eat melon and makes happy paintings and wants his sponsor to be happy. Warren regrets that he's been anything but.
boknowsbaseball 1 year ago 2
I wonder if the scene shows how little he has. By the end of the film he acknowledges that he's accomplished nothing with his life, and now he sees what COULD have been.
MondoBeno 1 year ago
@MondoBeno He looks off to the left, where that picture of his daughter as a child was.
TheLayneMeyer 7 months ago
Great acting by Nicholson.
KleWdSide 1 year ago 4
This really brings tears to my eyes every time I see it.Warren comes home after the wedding feeling a failure.From his retirement to his wifes indescretion to his objection to the wedding he lost-his life has no meaning.Then he gets a letter from Ndugu and finds that the little money he tossed in an envelope saved the life of a child-so his life does have meaning, he did make a difference to someone.Beautiful.
ty56ty65 1 year ago 2
dude i thought he was crying because ndugu wasnt even like someone he could talk to. he was just a little kid and here he was telling him all about his life and shit
Roodski 1 year ago
I was 25 (a guy), and on a whim I went to see this in the theater by myself, not really knowing what to expect, but I love Jack. After this scene took place, I sat there balling my eyes out. Jack's performance brought out every emotion and sad/happy time in my life up to that point, and it was an overwhelming experience. I will always love him for giving me that moment.
mlc2005 1 year ago 21
This comment has received too many negative votes show
What a queer
Justinizcool89 1 year ago
I was in tears by the end of this movie.
AStopMotionChannel 1 year ago
Amazing.
ThePolkovnik 1 year ago
And Ndugu's letter to Schmidt.....(watch second)
loulacious 1 year ago
Yeah, this scene really took me by surprise when I first saw it.
Jack Nicholson is incredible!
INITIALSJE 1 year ago 4
Jack Nicholson is a lot of things. He's my favorite Joker, starred in the best movie based on a Steven King story, made an Adam Sandler movie funny to many people who'd otherwise run for the hills, is the only reason you can sit through "Mars Attacks!", and can convey a broader scope of emotions with the ending of a movie than maybe anyone alive or now deceased. People claim Brando is the greatest actor of the last 60 years, but I think very differently. If I had half Jack's talent, I'd be rich.
homeboyje 1 year ago 4
he's telling me so fucking many (bad and good) things from 2.38...
2B1985 1 year ago
Heres a story of my experience. I live in Nebraska, and my dad had a heart attack unexpectingly. I cry so hard after this film was over, because since Nicholson's wife died in the film, it is a similar story to me also because it relates in the midwest. To me, its an underrated drama movie, I just love it.
dissent88 1 year ago 3
@dissent88 Good stuff, I'm sorry for your loss.
Kayyoooo 1 year ago
@Canuckforces2
No, my friend...it's Man's indifference and greed that keep him from helping his fellow brother.
ironmike3940 2 years ago
정말 슬프더라
capacsis 2 years ago
even halfway through the letter it was hard to hold back the tears, the jorney we as the audience have gone through with this man makes it all the sweeter
dazura08 2 years ago 2
@dazura08 :)
Kayyoooo 1 year ago
Go read Noam Chomsky
MrNobleSavagery 2 years ago
This movie, Groundhog Day, and Up in the Air are the three most incredible comedies about the human condition ever made. And Paul Blart: Mall Cop, of course.
SentriDoodi 2 years ago
This is honestly one of the most powerful scenes I have ever watched; if you watch the whole movie and see how his life has been and then watch this, it is incredibly moving.
Swartzeagle83 2 years ago 9
@Swartzeagle83 so true
Kayyoooo 1 year ago
@Canuckforces2 What a cynical bastard you are
enjoyitbro 2 years ago
I love this so much.
excursustoo 2 years ago
Almost unbearably touching... Like nothing else in film history in my opinion (though I think many people confuse being sad with being moved, when it comes to this ending).
felsner1 2 years ago 8
I agree, this for me is the most profoundly touching moment in cinematic history. What I love about it is that for the whole movie, you see his letters as a catharsis of everything that he's ever repressed, you didn't really give much thought to the fact that it might have been affecting another human being. Then when he was at his lowest, the reciprocation of that love and altruism came back to comfort him and make his life worthwhile. For me it's the most life-affirming movie ending there is
happysappy21 2 years ago 15
Well said! Notice also how that final anagnorisis works on both the protagonist AND the audience... Very dramatic. Viva the great Pope!
felsner1 2 years ago
@happysappy21 Well said.
Swartzeagle83 2 years ago
@happysappy21 Perfect way of putting it! :)
Kayyoooo 1 year ago
You've summed up my sentiments exactly.
ncognit02 1 year ago
You would have to be made of stone if you don't get, at the very least, watery-eyed when you watch this powerful scene!!
thedrmat 2 years ago 55
i remember the first time i watched this, it was incredibly hard to hold back my emotion!
TheJoyOfToast 2 years ago 6
@thedrmat well said.
Kayyoooo 1 year ago
@thedrmat without context, i am stone
tj121587 6 months ago
@thedrmat put my face on mount rushmore
365to173repubsPWNED 5 months ago
@thedrmat
I did! I did get watery eyed! :'(
ArnoldTohtFan 4 months ago
wow. W/ how Bat #$IT crazy jack is in real life. I never expected him to be so vulnerable. I have a new respect for the man after seeing this scene
projectmayhem969 2 years ago
i always thought of jack nicholson as a master at acting. seeing this scene shows that he is also a master at acting with a soft heart.
emoviebuff87 2 years ago 4
now that, my friends, is the love that God created
BizzyBumpyWilson 2 years ago
Comment removed
abacusdabacus 2 years ago
very sad film
SuperHeroMania 2 years ago
I think anyone who is open to feeling with the heart just cries everytime they see this. It's an amazing scene. I'm so glad they did this! It always reminds me of the Truth of compassion and oneness. Thanks for the upload! Really inspiring!
kirk7524875248 2 years ago
i felt like crying, but the look on nicholsons face just made me burst out with laughter, i am going to hell.
TheJoyOfToast 2 years ago
no worries same here people make funny faces when they cry theres one on here keifer sutherland crying (his face is hilarious)
Yankeesgirlmaria 2 years ago
wow...very touching indeed!
no288 2 years ago
This is so beautiful.
ElOmarco 2 years ago 2
odaibaman: I think, from the nun's acent and the timbre of her voice that she was an african woman. There are many native africans who are catholic.
abacusdabacus 2 years ago
She was from France. Nadine Gauthier is a french name...either that or Quebec.
QSN2006 2 years ago
For her accent, I'd say France.
thedrmat 2 years ago
this scene made the whole movie. i was at such a low place in my life when i saw this. i knew exactly how he felt. GREAT scene!
owg59 2 years ago 2
the bridge Schmidt visits, the picture Ndugu drew all brings it home....Schmidt's life has meaning.
septip123 2 years ago 3
I cried along with Jack.
dissent88 2 years ago 63
@dissent88 I think some of us wake up to the fact that most of our lives here in America is built around mindless material chatter, sex, and ego. Then one wakes up to the fact that a little child, spirit, energy can be so changed by such a small act of kindness. It shakes us down to our soul:) I cried too:)
chakrachaser 1 year ago 4
@chakrachaser well said...it's exactly how i felt
shiz777 9 months ago
@dissent88 me too...
dirtyhappiness 11 months ago
@dissent88 You and me, both.
jorgekluney 8 months ago
This is the only scene in a movie EVER that almost made me cry. Wonderful film.
earlyriser03 2 years ago 7
Triste et bouleversant.
Un très beau film.
Fellfrost 2 years ago
Jack Nicholson is without a doubt one of the greatest actors of all time. There will never be another man like him.
hotfuzzidol 2 years ago 3
I cried so hard when he reacts to the painting LOL Jack's one of the best actors ever!
Averilli1 2 years ago 3
Wonderful ending. I thought the voice of the European nun reading the letter was also a very effective filming device. Her voiceover (that of a lady who's been doing charity work in Africa for years, presumably) contrasted sharply with the banal musings of Schmidt throughout the movie.
odaibaman 2 years ago 6
This scene hit me so hard when I first saw this movie. Since then it has become one of my favorite movies. One of Jack's best characters that's for sure.
dtjesus 2 years ago 4
Such an utterly genuine emotion - Jack's finest minute on film.
PC3900 2 years ago 4
OMG!!!I've cried like a baby.Such a beautiful and touching movie.Jack is a legend!
mensahcarrelle 2 years ago 6
just cried. l
animalzoo123 2 years ago
one of the most touching scenes i ever saw
entropia34332 2 years ago 3
Just....AMAZING FILM.....i hope you never die Jack
Zerstorren 3 years ago 9
My gosh, I'm crying again. Once we make good for people, we start to experience love and joy for life. We can keep our whole life trying to satisfy our own needs and it will never end.
izcatrova 3 years ago 7
best actor ever
igramoul 3 years ago 5
this made my cry, absolutely incredible movie ending, one of the best ever
Artokaas 3 years ago 11
I totally agree with you this is like one of the most touching scenes ever.
elfemto666 3 years ago 6
Wow - one of the most touching scenes in screen history. I remember watching this in the cinema. The movie stopped quite suddenly, as is apparent, and as the courtesy light faded up, people just remained sitting, crying...
felsner1 3 years ago 7
I too cried. I did not find it sad in the least bit though. In fact, I found it very happy and inspirational. Schmidt knows he made a difference in someone's life. Even though we can't say what happens after the movie, the fact the film cuts to black with him smiling IMO means a new beginning to Warren's life, one of happiness and solace. Much like how the beginning was a musicless jump cut montage of the colorless city and the building of the company he devoted his life to.
TeflonMaster 3 years ago 5
Don't think it's his absolute best work (Chinatown or One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest anyone?), but this movie was so powerful, I was caught off guard. Especially this final scene. Jack just keeps on going, while his contemporaries such as Pacino and De Niro, both among the best of all time, are quickly becoming self-parodies of themselves and, though understandably, it's sad to see them past their prime. Jack's just that damn good.
ccv707 3 years ago 4
Not so sad an ending, i think, but joyous. He cries because he has made a difference in someone's life.
PTFAbedeh 3 years ago 8
your right, I just looked it the wrong way.
rickrasch 3 years ago 4
it's just such a sad but great ending, and only jack could do it like this
rickrasch 3 years ago
I was going to make a decent summary regarding this scene, but as censorship is being applied I have decided not to.
MickeyLove01 3 years ago
Censorship is to stop the annoying spam that gets posted. Post your summary and it'll be approved.
SgtFluffyMcFay 3 years ago
I literally hadn't cried since I was 10 years old until I saw this.
poorandimmature 3 years ago 4
A tremendously powerful scene and a film that will perhaps, over time, go down as Nicholson's finest work. He is an American treasure. Most actors at his age are winding down and are well beyond their best work. He, on the other hand, produces this masterpiece. Thank you Alexander Payne and THANK YOU JACK NICHOLSON.
dlm2800 3 years ago
I'd love for you to post the scene in which he's sitting atop the Winnebago, asking Helen for forgiveness.
Philfa 3 years ago 4
This has been flagged as spam show
good movie, but this scene reveals that I'm a skeptical, jaded, biiter, cold-hearted SOB despite being realistic and pragmatic. The letter has stock/standard charity reply all over it. I agree Schmidt cried because he realized he made a difference, but I saw that ending coming and it's quite pathetic
kramotakra 3 years ago
The letter wasn't what made Schmidt cry.
SgtFluffyMcFay 3 years ago
Comment removed
steilbergauf 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@SgtFluffyMcFay oh sure he cries because the letter...
he cries because he figure out, that at least one person love him and thanks him for his help... i think it's important for every human to know that thers somebody who needs you!
steilbergauf 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@SgtFluffyMcFay oh sure he cries because the letter...
he cries because he figure out, that at least one person love him and thanks him for his help... i think it's important for every human to know that thers somebody who needs you!
steilbergauf 1 year ago
it's suppose to be a dark comedy and thats how its suppose to end. By the way great movie.
cchank1 3 years ago
I don't think the impact was in the letter nearly as much as it was in the picture. That's when it hit me, anyway. I find something beautiful in such a simple realization and message as this.
Philfa 3 years ago 3
You have misunderstood the film.
MickeyLove01 3 years ago
Little Ndugu sure does love his melon!
Varmyth 3 years ago 4
I really think this whole thing, culminating in this last scene, is much deeper than the fact that he realizes he has been important in somebody's life...that he makes a difference through his donations, etc. Throughout the whole movie, he is surrounded by mediocre wretchedness, at best. Ndugu clearly has a capacity for love and goodness well beyond most of the characters in the movie. I think that's what brings Schmidt to tears.
kenrubes 3 years ago 4
Such a great movie. It really expresses the humorous foibles of people and also a genuine desire to make a difference in the world, however small.
tmt686 3 years ago
The way I understand it is that we all make a difference in at least somebodys life. Nicholson's character was just watching tv and saw this ad and thought "why not". He did this as a careless hobby and at possibly hes loneliest hour he realizes that what he thought was a petty act of charity inevitably became a reason to know that he has made a difference in the world and that at least one person carries on his memory.we should never think, that we dont matter. this always brings me to tears.
liberal185 3 years ago 2
nice written. interesting, while surfing on youtube, the video I was watching before this one was "HIM - Join me in death" with the line "your life ain't worth living" - 180 degrees opposite message.... ;)
railcity 3 years ago
Awesome. Simply awesome. One of the most touching, moving scenes in any movie.
thesteffie 3 years ago 2
you the man sgtfluffymcfay
limeybadtooth 3 years ago
This scene hurts. Powerful.
joppler 3 years ago 4
beautifullll movie.thankyou for posting it!!
please please can you post the part from the movie,where writes the letter to n dugu and ads the dollars for icecream????the best...lol
thankyou in advance,,....its a great great movie!!!!! ;)
Geeguus 3 years ago 2
thanks for posting this
Schismhead 3 years ago
I saw the last ten minutes of this at the theater, and I was amazed that Jack is still as versatile as he was in "cuckoo's nest". This is an ending that have never forgotten.
edgeandy 3 years ago 2
A very simple movie, beautiful though. It's so important to give to other people, to share what belong to us. Like time, money, goods, food, love. Thank you for this video on youtube. I'm a better man after watching it.
ethansolal 3 years ago 2
that ending gets me every time. a wonderful screenplay, a great film, and the best actor in my 31 years.
scutter28 3 years ago 3
Jack is truly an amazing actor. This crying scene proves that it is okay for an actor to cry.:)Most actors don't do that. And Jack did..and is still doin it.:)
kimedes007 3 years ago
they say, it´s almost more difficult to make people laugh than make them cry; but this scene is so touching and authentic - ihmo - Jack Nicholson is crying for real
joyFX 3 years ago
a very beatiful film
xsosior 3 years ago
its such a beautiful film
it made me cry even though the ending was happy
jack nicholson is an incredible actor!
davidthemoose 3 years ago 3
When I first watched this, I was just bawling at the end. One of the best scenes with Jack Nicholson, and one of the better movies I have seen overall.
shermancahal 3 years ago 3
Slightly beyond the knee-jerk reaction to this scene, I'm reminded that the primary goal in my life is to be a generous, warm and kind human being.
toribaltimore 3 years ago
one of the greatest actors of all time.even marlon brando
HEKIM1982 4 years ago 3
This movie was hysterical heart~touching gold. I remember this scene all to well at the movies.
hereiwaswasihere 4 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
When I first saw this scene I felt differently. Like Jack was trying to change someone else's life, but realizes that that the boy never really read any of his letters and that the image was just stock, and probably done in a workshop.
Nimnoms 4 years ago
I think you misinterpretted the ending. Its symbollic as it's the only time in the movie he's happy, when he realizes he's made a difference.
But if that what it means to you doesn't mean its wrong.
Perhaps your just cynical. :D
PogoJay 3 years ago
Being a 22 year old guy, I hate to admit when I cry. However, this ending definitely made me teary eyed once I saw it, and I consider it one of the best movies that I have ever seen. I say so because the movie made me feel what Schmidt feels at the end. It is sad and happy all at the same time. Even at the funny parts, a little part of me felt the sadness of the situation. I consider it best because of the range of emotions it made me feel throughout the movie.
Freddo9867 4 years ago 8
I cry every time I see this, the most beautiful moment in any film ever. Makes me happier than anything else.
Jozziah 4 years ago 4
Considering my eyes usually glaze over at hammy sponsorship commercials, it's ironic that this scene touched me more profoundly than any other in recent memory. Maybe if Alex Payne directed those commericials, he'd enlist a few hundred more participants. :)
Glitcher2000 4 years ago
the first time I saw this scene, I completely lost it. Really beautiful and poignant, for sure.
kenrubes 4 years ago 3