Goodbye, Dragon Inn Ending Explained: On a dark, wet night in Taipei City, a cavernous old picture palace is about to close its doors forever. Directed by Tsai Ming-liang, this 2003 drama film stars Lee Kang-sheng (Projectionist), alongside Chen Shiang-Chyi as Ticket Woman, Kiyonobu Mitamura as Japanese Tourist, Miao Tian as Self. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Goodbye, Dragon Inn?

On a dark, wet night in Taipei City, a cavernous old picture palace is about to close its doors forever. A meager audience, the remaining few staff, and perhaps even a ghost or two, watch King Hu’s wuxia classic "Dragon Inn", each haunted by memories and desires evoked by cinema itself.

Tsai Ming-liang's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Lee Kang-sheng (Projectionist)'s journey. A meager audience, the remaining few staff, and perhaps even a ghost or two, watch King Hu’s wuxia classic "Dragon Inn", each haunted by memories and desires evoked by cinema itself.

How Does Lee Kang-sheng (Projectionist)'s Story End?

  • Lee Kang-sheng: Lee Kang-sheng's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Chen Shiang-Chyi (Ticket Woman): Chen Shiang-Chyi's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Kiyonobu Mitamura (Japanese Tourist): Kiyonobu Mitamura's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Goodbye, Dragon Inn Mean?

Goodbye, Dragon Inn's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Lee Kang-sheng may feel rushed. Tsai Ming-liang's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.