10 Movies That Killed Off Their Best Character

As a cinephile who’s seen more movies than I can count and lived through various cinematic highs and lows, these four films have left indelible marks on my heart and mind. Each one offers a unique perspective, a memorable character, or an unforgettable twist that makes them stand out from the crowd.

In most movies, there’s a standout character that viewers adore, one who garners universal approval as the top character in the film. These characters could be heroic, tough, charming, or comical, and sometimes even villainous, yet we find ourselves captivated by their intriguing qualities. We can’t help but watch intently for their reappearance on screen, anticipating their return with excitement.

In these ten standalone films, we introduce you to remarkable characters who unfortunately meet their end before the closing credits. While sometimes their deaths are startling, other times they seem inevitable. These characters, though unforgettable, do not escape death’s grasp in the world of cinema.

10 Promising Young Woman (2020)

In the movie “Promising Young Woman“, character Cassie (portrayed by Carey Mulligan) is depicted as a complex and sorrowful figure. Initially, she was a bright, aspiring medical student with a promising future. However, after her best friend Nina was raped, and the perpetrators escaped justice, Cassie transformed into a troubled individual, consumed by vengeance. She dropped out of school and became somewhat unconventional, displaying signs of emotional trauma and a propensity for violence. Despite her dark demeanor, her black humor intrigues us, making us hope she successfully avenges the wrongs done to her. In essence, Cassie appears as a vigilante, advocating for any woman who has suffered sexual abuse.

It seems Cassie may accomplish her long-awaited quest for vengeance near the movie’s end. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the very man who assaulted her friend takes her life instead. For a brief instant, it appears as though Cassie’s attackers will once again evade justice. But just when it seems they’ve outsmarted everyone, the movie unveils its final surprise. In the event of her death, Cassie had a contingency plan in place. A series of scenes unfolds to demonstrate this plan being activated, all while Juice Newton’s “Angel of the Morning” plays beautifully – and ultimately, Cassie exacts her revenge from beyond the grave.

9 V for Vendetta (2006)

In essence, the movie “V for Vendetta,” derived from a graphic novel with the same title, paints a chilling picture of England as a grim totalitarian state ruled by fascism. The lone figure defying this oppressive regime is an enigmatic masked vigilante identified merely as ‘V,’ portrayed by Hugo Weaving. One unforgettable scene introduces V as he expertly orchestrates the destruction of London’s Old Bailey building, harmonizing Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with the building’s simultaneous explosions, making him an instant icon. From thereon, it’s challenging not to be captivated by V, with his unique blend of charm and menace, his dashing Guy Fawkes costume, exceptional swordsmanship, and a vocabulary that leaves you in awe.

Ultimately, V meets a violent demise mirroring his tumultuous life, which seems essential for the narrative flow. It is Evey Hammond (portrayed by Natalie Portman) who carries on V’s revolution. She lays V’s remains upon a train packed with explosives and steers it directly towards Parliament. As the train detonates to the rhythm of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Parliament is once more reduced to rubble, while countless individuals adorned with V’s recognizable Guy Fawkes mask look on in awe, finally experiencing liberation.

8 Reservoir Dogs (1992)

The film “Reservoir Dogs” catapulted the career of renowned director Quentin Tarantino. It tells a story about various criminal figures brought together for a diamond heist, with pandemonium ensuing when one of them turns out to be an undercover officer. Each of these men in cheap suits, identified by color-coded names, could be considered the most intriguing character in the movie.

It’s safe to say that many viewers might concur that among the characters in Reservoir Dogs, Victor Vega, famously portrayed by Michael Madsen as Mr. Blonde, stands out as a favorite. He exudes an air of calmness, coolness, and composure. However, beneath this facade lies a ruthless, violent psychopath who can nonchalantly sever a person’s ear while dancing to music, creating a chilling yet intriguing spectacle. This unsettling scene surprisingly concludes with Mr. Blonde meeting his end – at the hands of the undercover cop.

7 Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Similar to many war films, “Jojo Rabbit” features its fair share of losses, despite its unique charm and humor. The narrative revolves around Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), a naive member of the Hitler Youth, whose understanding of the war shifts dramatically when he discovers his mother is hiding a young Jewish girl in their household. The film boasts an array of lovable characters, including Jojo’s absurd, imaginary friend Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi). However, it is Jojo’s resilient mother, Rosie (Scarlett Johansson), and the courageous Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell) who truly shine. Unfortunately, both these characters meet their untimely end in the movie.

Johansson’s funny, imaginative, and lovable character was one of the best roles of her career. She secretly protested against the Nazis, risking her own life to do what was right, and held a fun and positive outlook on things, despite the grim circumstances around her. It came as a terrible shock when Jojo discovered her dead body. Captain Klenzendorf, the comical German who ran Jojo’s Hitler Youth training camp, also proved to have a good heart. He helps save Jojo’s life and is later executed by Russian soldiers. An emotional roller coaster, Jojo Rabbit is a film for the ages.

6 Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan is considered to be one of the greatest war movies of all time, a realistic and harrowing glimpse at the atrocities of war. This Steven Spielberg masterpiece opens with an unidentified war veteran visiting the Normandy Cemetery. The story then flashes back to 1944, to World War II. The first person that we see is Captain Miller (Tom Hanks), which tricks the audience into thinking that we’re now looking at a younger version of that old man from the cemetery.

Captain Miller appears as both a formidable commander and seasoned warrior. However, upon discovering his past as a teacher and baseball coach prior to the war, he becomes more approachable, almost ordinary. It seems that anyone among us could potentially step into the role of Captain Miller when confronted by the harsh realities of war.

Captain Miller and his team are assigned the mission of locating Private Ryan (Matt Damon), the lone surviving member of a family devastated by war. The narrative unfolds as we accompany Miller through intense battles, but due to an emotional prologue set in a cemetery, we have a false sense of security about his safety. However, things are not what they seem. In a surprising turn of events, it’s revealed that the elderly veteran is actually Private Ryan, paying tribute to the soldiers who gave their lives to rescue him. Shockingly, one of those very soldiers turns out to be Captain Miller himself.

5 Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)

In simpler terms, “Pan’s Labyrinth” is often considered Guillermo del Toro’s masterpiece. It’s a unique blend of a fairy tale for adults, where it’s hard to distinguish reality from fantasy. The story vividly contrasts the harsh and drab world of adulthood with the pure and enchanting realm of childhood. The main character, Ofelia (played by Ivana Baquero), beautifully embodies this duality. She’s much like Alice, guiding us through this mysterious and perilous land inspired by Latin culture, doing so with the same childlike curiosity and innocence.

This film wouldn’t be as captivating without its young lead character, who embodies both the emotional core and creative spirit of the narrative. The tragic demise of Ofelia towards the end stirs deep emotions. Yet, she is granted a stunningly enchanting farewell that might transform your sorrowful tears into joyous ones…possibly.

4 Life Is Beautiful (1997)

In a more casual and engaging way: The character Guido (played by Roberto Benigni in “Life is Beautiful”) is a charming, hilarious fellow who finds joy and laughter everywhere he goes. During the initial part of the film, he delightfully pursues his wife and tenderly cares for their child. However, the narrative takes a grim turn as Guido and his Italian-Jewish family are trapped in a concentration camp during the second half.

In the midst of unrelenting dread, Guido strives to infuse humor into their situation. To divert his son’s attention from the harsh new existence they find themselves in – and from an inevitable fate, he invents whimsical games. The movie “Life is Beautiful” is a heart-wrenching masterpiece that underscores the fact that ordinary individuals can rise to heroism, and that life, although delicate and transient, remains a captivating wonder.

3 Fight Club (1999)

Fight Club is among director David Fincher’s finest works, and what truly sets it apart is the captivating character of Tyler Durden, portrayed by Brad Pitt. This role has become one of Pitt’s most memorable performances. The chemistry between these two was extraordinary – Tyler’s carefree demeanor and philosophical outlook contrasted beautifully with Pitt’s striking good looks and magnetic personality. An image seared into the memories of cinema enthusiasts is that of a bloodied, shirtless Tyler Durden rising from a fight, a testament to his allure that left both women yearning for him and men aspiring to emulate him.

Tyler’s appealing looks and charm often distract us from the fact that he’s the antagonist in ‘Fight Club.’ Much like other villains, Tyler meets his end and is eliminated in the film’s closing scenes (though it might be more symbolic than literal). Despite being a character from over 25 years ago, Tyler remains etched in our collective memory, a cinematic figure who will continue to captivate movie enthusiasts for generations to come.

2 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

There’s no question that the character of Randle McMurphy in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is portrayed as a morally questionable individual. Following an act of sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl, he manipulates his mental state to evade prison, instead being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Remarkably, we are drawn to Randle’s captivating charm and defiant spirit, even though his actions are reprehensible. This is not lost on the other patients in the asylum, who join forces around him, making him the de facto leader of the institution. The performance by Jack Nicholson, electrifying in this role, further solidifies Randle’s impact on audiences.

It’s not unusual that Randle doesn’t survive until the end of the film. He frequently disregards the rules, attempts to free fellow patients, and torments Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who could be as wicked as Randle himself. Ultimately, his aggressive behavior leads to a lobotomy, reducing him to an empty version of his previous self. In a compassionate act, his quiet friend, Chief (Will Sampson), suffocates him with a pillow, releasing Randle from the psychiatric ward at last.

1 Citizen Kane (1941)

The classic movie, “Citizen Kane,” is often praised as the finest film ever created, and rightfully so. In a bold departure from the norm, acclaimed filmmaker Orson Welles abandoned the standard narrative structure and constructed his tale using flashbacks instead. The movie commences with the demise of its principal and most captivating character, Charles Foster Kane (portrayed by Welles himself). On his dying breath, Kane whispers a cryptic final word: “Rosebud.

In this telling, we delve into the tale of his life step by step, with flashbacks revealing the narrative, as an inquisitive reporter works to unravel the mystery behind the word “Rosebud” and decipher the complex character of Charles Foster Kane. The solution to the puzzle isn’t disclosed until the final moments, when a poignant scene unfolds, portraying Kane as a pitiful cinematic icon, contributing to one of the most memorable plot twists in film history.

2024-09-27 04:33