The Quarrel Ending Explained: What Really Happened?

The Quarrel Ending Explained: On Rosh Hashanah, Chaim (a Yiddish writer) is forced to think of his religion when he's asked to be the tenth in a minyan. Directed by Eli Cohen, this 1991 drama film stars Saul Rubinek (Hersh Rasseyner), alongside R.H. Thomson as Chaim Kovler, Michael Sinelnikoff as Hospital Patient, Merlee Shapiro as Waitress. With a 6.3/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of The Quarrel?

Montreal 1948. On Rosh Hashanah, Chaim (a Yiddish writer) is forced to think of his religion when he's asked to be the tenth in a minyan. As he sits in the park, he suddenly sees an old friend whom he hasn't seen since they quarrelled when they were yeshiva students together. Hersh, a rabbi, survived Auschwitz and his faith was strengthened by his ordeal, while Chaim escaped the Nazis, but had lost his faith long before. The two walk together, reminisce, and argue passionately about themselves, their actions, their lives, their religion, their old quarrel, and their friendship.

Eli Cohen's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Saul Rubinek (Hersh Rasseyner)'s journey. As he sits in the park, he suddenly sees an old friend whom he hasn't seen since they quarrelled when they were yeshiva students together.

How Does Saul Rubinek (Hersh Rasseyner)'s Story End?

Saul Rubinek: Saul Rubinek's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
R.H. Thomson (Chaim Kovler): R.H. Thomson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
Michael Sinelnikoff (Hospital Patient): Michael Sinelnikoff's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of The Quarrel Mean?

The Quarrel's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Saul Rubinek may feel rushed. Eli Cohen's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.