Six Soldiers Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for Six Soldiers.
Six Soldiers Ending Explained: Four recruits arrive at Kimberley station to undergo training at the local army camp. Directed by Bertrand Retief, this 1975 action film stars Richard Loring (Richard 'Soutie' Henderson), alongside Barry Trengrove as Sergeant, Friedrich Stark as Petrus 'Poepies' Pansegrau, Lieb Bester as Godlieb 'Liebling' Van Lieres. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of Six Soldiers?
Four recruits arrive at Kimberley station to undergo training at the local army camp. Soutie, Liebling, Tiny and PP soon become friends as they are put through their paces by the sergeant. They all volunteer for border duty, where they are joined by Chico, a black tracker, and are sent out on patrol. After they come upon a murdered farm family, their radio is destroyed by enemy fire and they are required to find their way back to base camp. In the ensuing skirmishes some of them perish.
Bertrand Retief's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Richard Loring (Richard 'Soutie' Henderson)'s journey. Soutie, Liebling, Tiny and PP soon become friends as they are put through their paces by the sergeant.
How Does Richard Loring (Richard 'Soutie' Henderson)'s Story End?
- Richard Loring: Richard Loring's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Barry Trengrove (Sergeant): Barry Trengrove's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Friedrich Stark (Petrus 'Poepies' Pansegrau): Friedrich Stark's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Six Soldiers Mean?
Six Soldiers's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Richard Loring may feel rushed. Bertrand Retief's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.