The Motive Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Motive.
The Motive Ending Explained: Four people are discovered brutally murdered in an up-scale high-rise apartment. Directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, this 2004 crime film stars Takehiro Murata (Ishikawa, Police), alongside Ryo Kase as Yuji Yashiro, Toshie Negishi as Satoko Sunagawa, Saki Terashima as Nobuko Katakura. With a 6.9/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Motive?
Four people are discovered brutally murdered in an up-scale high-rise apartment. All the victims appear to be family, but as the investigation deepens it is discovered that one of the victims isn't related to the family.
Nobuhiko Obayashi's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Takehiro Murata (Ishikawa, Police)'s journey. All the victims appear to be family, but as the investigation deepens it is discovered that one of the victims isn't related to the family.
How Does Takehiro Murata (Ishikawa, Police)'s Story End?
- Takehiro Murata: Takehiro Murata's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Ryo Kase (Yuji Yashiro): Ryo Kase's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Toshie Negishi (Satoko Sunagawa): Toshie Negishi's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Motive Mean?
The Motive's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Takehiro Murata may feel rushed. Nobuhiko Obayashi's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.