Coming Home Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Trailer, and More
Updated Jul 31, 2023
Coming Home
Coming Home, a powerful 1978 American romantic war drama film directed by Hal Ashby, weaves a compelling narrative from a screenplay crafted by Waldo Salt and Robert C. Jones, with a story envisioned by Nancy Dowd. The movie boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford, Robert Carradine, and Robert Ginty.
The heart of the story revolves around a conflicted woman, her Marine husband, and a Vietnam War veteran who is now a paraplegic. As the woman's husband is deployed in Vietnam, an unexpected and touching romantic relationship blossoms between her and the wounded veteran.
Upon its theatrical release on February 15, 1978, Coming Home received both critical acclaim and commercial success. Reviewers praised the film's masterful direction, well-crafted screenplay, and outstanding performances by the cast. It resonated with audiences, grossing an impressive $36 million worldwide, a remarkable feat against its modest $3 million budget, making it the 15th highest-grossing film of 1978.
The film's triumphs extended beyond the box office. Coming Home made waves at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival, where it competed for the prestigious Palme d'Or. Jon Voight's remarkable portrayal earned him the Best Actor Prize, further solidifying the film's impact.
Amidst widespread acclaim, Coming Home garnered numerous awards and nominations. At the 36th Golden Globe Awards, the film received six nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Drama, and achieved victory with Jon Voight and Jane Fonda taking home the Best Actor and Best Actress accolades respectively.
The 51st Academy Awards honored the film with eight nominations, including a prestigious nod for Best Picture. Ultimately, Coming Home triumphed with three well-deserved wins, earning recognition for its brilliant Original Screenplay and adding to the accolades of Jon Voight and Jane Fonda as they secured the Best Actor and Best Actress Oscars.
Coming Home stands as a cinematic masterpiece, exploring themes of love, war, and the human spirit. Its emotional depth and powerful performances continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless and unforgettable piece of cinema.
Coming Home Ending Explained
In a poignant conclusion, Sally and Luke embrace their feelings and share a moment of intimacy, bravely facing Luke's disability together. Sally's newfound pleasure becomes a significant milestone in their journey. Despite their deep connection, Sally decides not to seek a divorce from her husband, acknowledging the inevitable end of her relationship with Luke once Bob returns home.
Bob's return comes sooner than expected, burdened by physical wounds and emotional scars from combat. Learning of Sally's affair through Army Intelligence's surveillance on Luke, tensions rise, and Sally and Luke accept that it's time for Sally to attempt to mend things with Bob.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Bob confronts the two lovers with a loaded rifle. However, he eventually backs away from violence. In a final sequence, Luke shares his experiences in Vietnam with young men, while Bob symbolically removes his wedding ring and leaves his Marine uniform on the shore. With a heavy heart, he takes a naked swim into the ocean, contemplating a tragic decision.
This compelling ending portrays the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the profound impact of war, leaving viewers with a mix of emotions and reflections on the human condition.
Coming Home Plot
Set in 1968 California, "Coming Home" portrays the life of Sally (Jane Fonda), a devoted military wife married to Captain Bob Hyde (Bruce Dern), a United States Marine Corps officer bound for Vietnam. Initially apprehensive about his deployment, Sally finds newfound freedom as she moves to an apartment by the beach and begins volunteering at a local Veterans Administration hospital.
At the hospital, she reconnects with Luke Martin (Jon Voight), a former classmate and Vietnam veteran who suffered life-altering injuries in the war. Over time, a deep bond forms between Sally and Luke, as they navigate their pain and share transformative experiences. Their love grows, yet they are aware that their relationship is fleeting, as Sally remains committed to her husband's return.
When Bob comes back sooner than expected, struggling with both physical and emotional wounds from combat, he discovers Sally's affair through Army Intelligence. Sally and Luke decide to let go of their love to mend her marriage. However, Bob's anguish leads to a tense confrontation, leaving everyone emotionally shattered.
In a poignant ending, Luke shares his Vietnam experiences with young men, while Bob, driven to despair, symbolically leaves his old life behind, preparing for a heart-wrenching decision.
"Coming Home" delves into the complexities of love, war, and personal transformation, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and viewers alike. Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, and Bruce Dern deliver remarkable performances in this emotionally charged tale, which earned critical acclaim and accolades at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards. The film remains a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the consequences of war's profound impact on individuals and relationships
Coming Home Cast
Jane Fonda
Sally Hyde
Jon Voight
Luke Martin
Bruce Dern
Captain Bob Hyde
Penelope Milford
Vi Munson
Robert Carradine
Bill Munson
Robert Ginty
Sergeant Dink Mobley
Mary Gregory
Martha Vickery
Kathleen Miller
Kathy Delise
Beeson Carroll
Captain Earl Delise
Willie Tyler
Virgil
Lou Carello
Bozo
Charles Cyphers
Pee Wee
Olivia Cole
Corrine
Tresa Hughes
Nurse Degroot
Bruce French
Dr. Lincoln
Mary Jackson
Fleta Wilson
Tim Pelt
Jason
Richard Lawson
Pat
Rita Taggart
Johnson
Claudie Watson
Bridges
Sally Frei
Connie
Tony Santoro
Porsche salesman
Pat Corley
Harris
Gwen Van Dam
Mrs. Harris
Jim Klein
Willie Malone
Tokyo Ernie
Tokyo Ernie
Raul Bayardo
Mechanic in wheelchair
Stacey Pickren
Sophie
James Kindelon
Marines at gate
Joey Faustine
Marines at gate
Arthur Rosenberg
Bruce
David Clennon
Tim
Kimberly Binion
Waitress go-go
Kirk Raymond
Surveillance men
Bill Hale
Surveillance men
Danny Tucker
Monty
Ned Van Zandt
Marines at party
Dennis Rucker
Marines at party
Jonathan Banks
Marines at party
James Richardson
Marines at party
Gary Downey
Intelligence officer
George Roberts
FBI agent
Bob Ott
FBI agent
Gary Lee Davis
Marine recruiter
Marc McClure
High school class president
Cast
Character
Where to Watch Coming Home?
Can watch the movie "Coming Home" online on YouTube TV, and you even have the option to start with a free trial. YouTube TV offers a convenient and accessible platform to enjoy this American romantic war drama film directed by Hal Ashby. Don't miss the chance to experience the compelling performances of Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, and the rest of the talented cast in this critically acclaimed movie. Sign up for the free trial on YouTube TV and immerse yourself in the emotional journey of the characters in "Coming Home."
Coming Home Ending Explained- FAQs
Coming Home" was directed by Hal Ashby.
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jane Fonda, Jon Voight, Bruce Dern, Penelope Milford, Robert Carradine, and Robert Ginty.
Coming Home" was theatrically released on February 15, 1978, and received both critical acclaim and commercial success.
The film grossed an impressive $36 million worldwide against its modest $3 million budget, making it the 15th highest-grossing film of 1978.
"Coming Home" won several prestigious awards, including two Oscars for Best Actor (Jon Voight) and Best Actress (Jane Fonda), and competed for the Palme d'Or at the 1978 Cannes Film Festival.