The Herdsman Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Herdsman Ending Explained: In 1980, Xu Jingshan, a wealthy Chinese-American businessman returns to China to find his son, Xu Lingjun, whom he had abandoned over 30 years earlier. Directed by Xie Jin, this 1982 drama film stars Xie Jin (导演), alongside Zhu Shimao as 许灵均, Cong Shan as 李秀芝, Liu Qiong as 许景由. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.

What Happens at the End of The Herdsman?

In 1980, Xu Jingshan, a wealthy Chinese-American businessman returns to China to find his son, Xu Lingjun, whom he had abandoned over 30 years earlier. Labeled a rightist because of his capitalist father, Lingjun has been forced to live as a humble herdsman on the grasslands. His bitter life has been transformed by a happy marriage to the wise and beautiful Xiuzhi, and more recently by his rehabilitation by the Party. When he goes to Beijing for their reunion, he discovers his father wants him to work for his chemical company in San Francisco. Lingjun tells the story of his life to his father, as he ponders his future.

Xie Jin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Xie Jin (导演)'s journey. Labeled a rightist because of his capitalist father, Lingjun has been forced to live as a humble herdsman on the grasslands.

How Does Xie Jin (导演)'s Story End?

Xie Jin: Xie Jin's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Xie Jin delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 43m runtime.
Zhu Shimao (许灵均): Zhu Shimao's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Cong Shan (李秀芝): Cong Shan's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Herdsman Mean?

The ending of The Herdsman ties together the narrative threads involving Xie Jin. Xie Jin chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes.