The Champion Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Champion.
The Champion Ending Explained: Eikichi Yamashiro, who is a former contender for the boxing title, works as a manager at a Club Champion owned by his fiancé Natsuko’s father. Directed by Umetsugu Inoue, this 1957 action film stars Tatsuya Mihashi (Eikichi Yamashiro), alongside Yōko Minamida as Natsuko Miyagawa, Yūjirō Ishihara as Shuntaro Fuma, Mie Kitahara as Mari Shiraki. With a 6.4/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Champion?
Eikichi Yamashiro, who is a former contender for the boxing title, works as a manager at a Club Champion owned by his fiancé Natsuko’s father. He lost a title match five years ago as he was besotted by Natsuko, but Eikichi actually cannot give up the dream of the championship. One day, he meets Shuntaro Fuma, who is a punk kid but a promising boxer, and realizes the dream that he himself could never fulfill. Then, they together start to train with the aim of the title. Mari Shiraki is an up-and-coming ballerina under the patronage of Eikichi as well. Eikichi forbids Shuntaro and Mari to be romantically involved with someone during their training, however, they start to go on a date.
Umetsugu Inoue's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Tatsuya Mihashi (Eikichi Yamashiro)'s journey. He lost a title match five years ago as he was besotted by Natsuko, but Eikichi actually cannot give up the dream of the championship.
How Does Tatsuya Mihashi (Eikichi Yamashiro)'s Story End?
- Tatsuya Mihashi: Tatsuya Mihashi's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Yōko Minamida (Natsuko Miyagawa): Yōko Minamida's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Yūjirō Ishihara (Shuntaro Fuma): Yūjirō Ishihara's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Champion Mean?
The Champion's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Tatsuya Mihashi may feel rushed. Umetsugu Inoue's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.