Why the ending of "Rebel Ridge" has confused some viewers
When the cry of the "rebels" echoes in reality: interpreting the ending of "Rebel Ridge" and the complexity of the relationship between the police and the people
The ending of "Rebel Ridge" is as rough and realistic as the movie itself, but it is full of controversy. The film does not fall into Hollywood-style heroism clichés, but instead shows the audience a real world full of gray areas, and because of this, it provokes the audience to think deeply about a series of issues such as police-community relations, institutional corruption, and personal choice.
The most confusing part of the film is the role of Officer Jessica · Sims. Moving between black and white, she is both a participant in a corrupt system and a "right" choice at a critical moment. This complexity is not deliberate on the part of the screenwriter, but a true portrayal of the real-life police ecology. In an environment rife with unspoken rules, exchange of interests, and oppression of power, not every cop can be a lone hero like "Serpico". Silence, obedience, and even participation are often reluctant actions for self-preservation. Officer Sims' actions reflect the difficulty of individual choices in this institutional dilemma.
What is more worth pondering is that Terry· Richmond's "rebellion" does not stem from a clear understanding of the system, but is more driven by personal encounters and anger. His conflict with the police is more like an individual's revenge for injustice than a reflection and struggle against the system. Although this method of "countering violence with violence" has achieved a temporary victory in the movie, it is full of dangers and uncertainties in real life.
The ending of "Rebel Ridge" is not to give a clear answer, but to provoke the audience to think more deeply about the real world. In recent years, a series of events around the world, such as the "Floyd incident" and the "turmoil over the legislative amendment" in Hong Kong, have pushed police-community relations to the forefront. Excessive law enforcement, indiscriminate use of violence, and corruption in the police force have been continuously exposed, triggering strong public discontent and protests.
The release of "Rebel Ridge" came at a timely time, and it vividly showed the complexity and contradictions of the police-community relationship in a very impactful way. In the film, whether it is corruption within the system or the struggle of individuals, they can find corresponding shadows in real life. It reminds us that the relationship between the police and the community is not a simple binary opposition, but a complex issue that requires us to examine and think in a more rational and sober manner.
More importantly, we need to reflect on how we can break this "life and death" confrontation and establish a healthier and more harmonious relationship between the police and the public. This requires the joint efforts of the Government, the Police Force and the public to build a bridge of mutual trust and respect through enhanced communication, enhanced understanding and improved systems. Only in this way can we avoid a recurrence of the tragedy and make the cry of the "rebels" no longer reverberate in the real world.