“Shortcomings” is a movie about three friends named Ben, Miko, and Alice who move from the Bay area to New York City to find their place in the world. The movie is a comedy-drama, which means it has funny moments but also touches on more serious themes. Some famous actors in the movie include Justin H. Min, Sherry Cola, Ally Maki, Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Jacob Batalon, and Timothy Simons. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023 and was released in theaters in August of the same year.
Ending Explanation
The ending of “Shortcomings” carries a deep message about self-awareness, growth, and the importance of confronting one’s own flaws. Ben Tagawa, the main character, spends a significant part of the movie struggling with his own identity and prejudices, especially around race and relationships. The climax, where Ben confronts Miko and then decides to leave New York, symbolizes his realization that he has been part of the problem in his relationships, including with Miko.
His decision not to interrupt Miko and Leon, but instead to leave for the airport, shows that Ben is starting to understand the consequences of his actions and attitudes. He recognizes that he has been hypocritical in judging Miko’s choices while ignoring his own problematic behavior. This moment of self-reflection suggests that Ben is on a path to personal growth, even though he still has a long way to go.
In essence, the ending highlights the journey of coming to terms with oneself, acknowledging one’s shortcomings, and the importance of self-improvement. It’s a powerful message about the complexities of identity, love, and the need to look inward before casting judgment on others.
Similar Movies
If you enjoyed watching Shortcomings, you may also like the following movies that share similar themes or styles:
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The Farewell (2019) – Directed by Lulu Wang, this comedy-drama film follows a Chinese-American woman who returns to China with her family to say goodbye to their grandmother, who is unaware of her own terminal diagnosis.
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Always Be My Maybe (2019) – Another film featuring Randall Park, this romantic comedy follows two childhood sweethearts who reconnect as adults and navigate their complicated relationship.
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The Big Sick (2017) – Directed by Michael Showalter, this romantic comedy-drama is based on the real-life romance between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. It explores cultural differences and family dynamics in a comedic yet heartfelt way.
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Lady Bird (2017) – Directed by Greta Gerwig, this coming-of-age comedy-drama follows a high school senior navigating her relationships with her mother, friends, and hometown as she prepares to leave for college.
These movies share elements of comedy, drama, and heartfelt storytelling similar to Shortcomings, providing a mix of humor and emotional depth for viewers to enjoy.
Reference: Wikipedia
