The Music Box Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?

What Happens at the End of The Music Box?

In the late 1930s, the Japanese army occupies Shanghai. Barber Lu Ping kills a Japanese officer by accident and then escapes from Shanghai to the residence of his master's brother, Song Fengnian. When he arrives at the small town, he falls in love with Song's daughter Jiayi at the first sight. However, Jiayi has had the engagement with an officer for a decent life in the wartime, even as concubine. After the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Lu is sentenced to death as a traitor because Song, his boss, has worked for the Japanese. When he closes his eyes and waits for the sound of shot, Jiayi rescues him. Arranged by her husband, Lu becomes an officer. However, he can never forget Jiayi and his barber life. After the end of the Civil War, Lu is sent to work on a farm in the northwest. There he learns that Jiayi doesn't leave with her husband and has been waiting for him at the small town where they meet for the first time. Lu decides to look for Jiayu.

Chen Yifei's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Chen Kun (Lu Ping)'s journey. Barber Lu Ping kills a Japanese officer by accident and then escapes from Shanghai to the residence of his master's brother, Song Fengnian.

How Does Chen Kun (Lu Ping)'s Story End?

• Chen Kun: Chen Kun's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Wang Yajie (Yu Mian): Wang Yajie's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Bi Yuanjin (Sheng Ge): Bi Yuanjin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Music Box Mean?

The Music Box's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Chen Kun may feel rushed. Chen Yifei's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.