The Smoking Fish Ending Explained: What Happened and Why?
Complete breakdown of the climax, final twists, and spoilers for The Smoking Fish.
The Smoking Fish Ending Explained: A handsome young man is released from jail and goes to "El Pez que Fuma", a bordello in the outskirts of Caracas. Directed by Román Chalbaud, this 1977 comedy film stars Hilda Vera (La Garza), alongside Orlando Urdaneta as Jairo, Haydée Balza as Selva María, Miguelangel Landa as Dimas. With a 6.9/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Smoking Fish?
A handsome young man is released from jail and goes to "El Pez que Fuma", a bordello in the outskirts of Caracas. La Garza, its middle-aged owner, hires the young man as handy man, but soon he takes the place of the administrator, who is also La Garza's lover.
Román Chalbaud's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Hilda Vera (La Garza)'s journey. La Garza, its middle-aged owner, hires the young man as handy man, but soon he takes the place of the administrator, who is also La Garza's lover.
How Does Hilda Vera (La Garza)'s Story End?
- Hilda Vera: Hilda Vera's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Orlando Urdaneta (Jairo): Orlando Urdaneta's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Haydée Balza (Selva María): Haydée Balza's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Smoking Fish Mean?
The Smoking Fish's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Hilda Vera may feel rushed. Román Chalbaud's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.