Field of Dreams Ending Explained
by Harini
Updated Jul 10, 2023
Field of Dreams Ending Explained
Field of Dreams, a beloved baseball movie, has recently been confirmed to be adapted into a Peacock TV show by Michael Schur, the creator of Parks and Recreation. This means that a new generation of audiences will have the opportunity to enjoy the optimistic themes of the project. For those who are unfamiliar with the original film, let's delve into the ending of Field of Dreams and explore what this inspirational movie is truly about.
At the end of Field of Dreams, we witness the fulfillment of the lost dreams of all those who come to Ray's baseball diamond afterlife in Iowa. Terence Mann, portrayed by James Earl Jones, disappears into the cornfield alongside Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other players, suggesting that Mann has resolved his past regrets. The last player to leave the field is the catcher, who Ray recognizes as his own father when he was a young and happy man. At this moment, Kevin Costner's character realizes that the field's whisper of "ease his pain" referred to his own guilt over his strained relationship with his father. John Kinsella, Ray's father, is introduced to Ray's wife and daughter before Ray finally asks him to play catch. The film concludes by panning from the father and son playing catch to a highway full of traffic, where cars have lined up to realize their own dreams at the Iowa cornfield baseball diamond.
At its core, Field of Dreams addresses generational issues and attempts to bridge the gaps between different generations. The movie explores the feelings of resentment and anger that can arise when one generation feels overlooked or left behind by the next. It highlights the struggle of individuals who feel that they don't matter, cannot progress, and have become relics of the past. Field of Dreams aims to reconcile these generational gaps and unresolved tensions, allowing life to move forward while still maintaining respect for the past.
The film's magic lies in its ability to evoke a comforting sentimentality for past eras, which brings forth a wave of nostalgia. Simultaneously, it tackles the issue of figures from the past who were unable to adapt to the changing times or fulfill their goals, consequently being left behind. Field of Dreams subtly pays homage to classic cinema, influential authors from bygone eras, and America's favorite pastime, baseball. It features Burt Lancaster in his final film appearance, references to Citizen Kane, allows early 20th-century baseball players to relive their passion, and incorporates the essence of pre-modern Frank Capra films. Additionally, the movie reconnects a revered and controversial author with his optimistic spirit. Through these narratives, Field of Dreams seeks to provide a proper send-off to those older generations that struggled to move beyond their dreams of the past.
A significant aspect of Field of Dreams revolves around the theme of fatherhood and the complex dynamics between parents and children. Ray Kinsella's main regret in life stems from his strained relationship with his father, whom he antagonized due to the constant pressure to excel at baseball. When we are young and naive, it can be challenging to see our parents as real people with their own flaws, dreams, and aspirations. Drawing inspiration from the question posed in Back to the Future, Field of Dreams explores the idea of what it would be like to meet our parents when they were young. As Ray Kinsella finally encounters his father as a young and optimistic man with an unwavering love for baseball, unburdened by the hardships of life, he can't help but interact with him in the way he always dreamed. Ray's experience allows him to perceive his father as a person with dreams and aspirations, enabling him to mend their strained relationship through the simple act of playing catch. Field of Dreams encourages individuals to view their parents as real people with their own hopes and dreams when forming their overall opinions of their character.
The ending of Field of Dreams offers a powerful message about resolving past regrets and embracing personal growth. People cannot find peace and move forward when they are fixated on the past or consumed by what could have been. Field of Dreams demonstrates how one's regrets can be resolved to enable progress in life. The White Sox players, for instance, finally get to play on the baseball diamond again, signaling their transition to heaven. Ray Kinsella reconciles his father issues, forgives him for being a flawed human being, and experiences his father as he truly was. Terence Mann finds relief from the pain of an unfulfilled effort through the reconciliation of his own past. The character of "Moonlight" Graham, in particular, represents a poignant story of finding closure. After dedicating his life to helping others, Graham returns home and fulfills his dream. Unlike the other missed opportunities portrayed in the film, Graham's story is not tragic. He led a fulfilling life as a doctor, and his regret was solely tied to his younger self's unrealized dreams. Field of Dreams conveys the idea that individuals can find resolution and move on by coming to terms with their past and choosing to confront their regrets. The film emphasizes the importance of letting go of guilt and embracing the potential for change.
Ultimately, Field of Dreams carries a profound message. "It'll be just like when they were kids... People will come." This line from the movie captures the essence of the Field of Dreams, serving as a symbol of how people can reconnect with their dreams and experience them without being burdened by regret or losing sight of who they truly are. The film highlights the significance of holding onto optimism and joy, even in the face of external forces that can lead to regret. Just like the phenomenon of Disneyland, the Field of Dreams allows people to tap into their inner child and experience the fulfillment of their dreams. While not everyone's dreams may come true, the film suggests that it is essential to retain hope and hold onto the joy that one felt when those dreams were within reach. In places like the Field of Dreams, people are encouraged to believe in the extraordinary and let go of the constraints of realism, thereby relishing in the magic of a dream come true or finding solace in the subtle joys of life.
Who is the Voice in Field of Dreams
The voice in the film "Field of Dreams" that delivers the lines "If you build it, he will come," "Ease his pain," and "Go the distance" has remained a mystery. Director Phil Alden Robinson revealed in an interview with Yahoo that the voice was initially recorded by him as a temporary track during the editing process. However, when the final version of the film was completed, all the voiceover work, including the iconic lines, was re-recorded by different actors. Despite speculation from fans, the true identity of the voice actor has not been disclosed, and Robinson intends to keep it a secret, finding enjoyment in the mystery surrounding it.
Regarding the scene at the end of the movie where the headlights of hundreds of cars are seen heading to the baseball field, no CGI or Hollywood trickery was used. The filmmakers enlisted the help of the Dubuque County Chamber of Commerce in Iowa. A production assistant measured the distance from the nearby town of Dyersville to the field, divided it by the average length of a car, and calculated that they needed 2,500 cars and drivers. The Chamber of Commerce provided the requested number of cars, and they were lined up along the road while Robinson and J. David Jones, an experienced aerial photographer, captured the scene from a helicopter. To create the illusion of motion, the car drivers were instructed to alternate their low and high beams.
While the voice actor's identity remains a secret, these behind-the-scenes insights from director Phil Alden Robinson offer fans a glimpse into the making of "Field of Dreams" and add to the film's enduring mystique.
Plot
Ray Kinsella resides on a corn farm in Dyersville, Iowa, alongside his wife, Annie, and their daughter, Karin. Ray is haunted by his strained relationship with his late father, John, a passionate baseball enthusiast. He fears that he will grow old without achieving anything of significance.
One evening, while walking through his cornfield, Ray hears a voice whispering, "If you build it, he will come." He envisions a baseball diamond in the middle of the cornfield, with "Shoeless" Joe Jackson standing there. Fueled by his belief in the voice, Ray convinces Annie to let him plow under a portion of their corn crop to construct the baseball field, despite the financial risks it entails.
As Ray progresses with the construction, he shares with Karin the story of the 1919 Black Sox Scandal. Several months pass, and just as Ray begins to doubt himself, Shoeless Joe reappears, accompanied by the other seven players involved in the scandal. However, Annie's brother, Mark, is unable to see the players and warns Ray and Annie about their imminent bankruptcy. Mark offers to buy their land, but the voice urges Ray to "ease his pain."
Ray and Annie attend a PTA meeting where Annie defends controversial author and activist Terence Mann, who is facing opposition from someone attempting to ban his books. Ray deduces that the voice was referring to Mann, who had once mentioned his childhood dream of playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers and had included a character named "John Kinsella" in his writing. Ray has a dream where he and Mann watch a game at Fenway Park, which prompts him to seek out Mann in Boston. Mann, now a disillusioned recluse, reluctantly agrees to attend a game. At the stadium, Ray hears the voice again, urging him to "go the distance," and he sees statistics on the scoreboard for Archie "Moonlight" Graham, a player who never had a chance to bat in the major leagues. Mann confirms that he also hears the voice and sees the scoreboard.
Together, Ray and Mann travel to Minnesota, discovering that Graham, who later became a doctor, passed away years ago. Ray learns from Graham's obituary that he was beloved in his community for his charitable work but found no mention of his baseball career. Unexpectedly, Ray finds himself transported to 1972, where he meets an elderly Graham who believes his true calling was medicine, not sports. On their journey back to Iowa, Ray picks up a young hitchhiker named Archie Graham, who is searching for a baseball team to join. Ray confesses to Mann that his father had dreams of becoming a baseball player and had pushed Ray to play the sport. When Ray stopped playing catch with his father at the age of 14, their relationship deteriorated, especially after Ray criticized John for idolizing a criminal. Ray's greatest regret is that he never reconciled with his father before his passing. Upon returning to the farm, Ray and Mann discover that more legendary baseball players have arrived, forming a second team. A game ensues, and Graham finally gets his opportunity at bat.
The following morning, Mark returns, demanding that Ray sell the farm to avoid foreclosure. Karin insists that people will pay to watch the ballgames, and Mann agrees, stating that "people will come" to relive their innocence and love for the game. During a scuffle between Ray and Mark, Karin falls from the bleachers. Graham, now back to being an older version of himself, saves her. He reassures Ray that he has no regrets and heads towards the cornfield. The other players commend him before he disappears into the corn, but before vanishing, Shoeless Joe calls out to him, acknowledging his skill. Ray realizes that the phrase "ease his pain" referred to his own regrets.
Ray introduces John to his wife and daughter without initially revealing their familial connection. As John starts to head towards the cornfield, Ray, addressing him as "Dad," asks if he wants to have a catch. John eagerly accepts the invitation, and as this heartfelt moment unfolds, hundreds of cars are seen approaching the field, fulfilling the prophecy that people will come to witness the baseball games.
Cast and Characters
Actor
Character
Kevin Costner
Ray Kinsella
Amy Madigan
Annie Kinsella
Gaby Hoffmann
Karin Kinsella
James Earl Jones
Terence Mann
Ray Liotta
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Timothy Busfield
Mark
Kelly Coffield Park
Dee, Mark's wife
Burt Lancaster
Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham
Frank Whaley
Young Archibald Graham
Dwier Brown
John Kinsella
Lee Garlington
Beulah Gasnick
Michael Milhoan
Buck Weaver
Steve Eastin
Eddie Cicotte
Charles Hoyes
Swede Risberg
Art LaFleur
Chick Gandil
Anne Seymour
Chisholm publisher
Unknown
The Voice
Matt Damon
Extra (Fenway Park scene)
Ben Affleck
Extra (Fenway Park scene)
Where to Watch Field of Dreams?
"Field of Dreams" is a beloved film that captivated audiences with its heartfelt storytelling and nostalgic themes. If you're eager to experience this iconic movie, you might be wondering where you can watch it. Fortunately, there are several options available to enjoy "Field of Dreams" and immerse yourself in its magical world.
One popular choice is to stream the film on various online platforms. Subscription-based streaming services like Peacock, which offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, including "Field of Dreams," allow you to watch the film conveniently from the comfort of your own home. Simply sign up for a subscription, search for the movie, and start streaming.
Additionally, you may find "Field of Dreams" available for rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu. These platforms typically offer the option to either rent the film for a limited period or buy a digital copy to enjoy it anytime you want.
For those who prefer physical copies, you can also check local video rental stores or retailers that sell DVDs and Blu-rays. "Field of Dreams" is a popular and enduring film, so you're likely to find it in the movie section of these stores or through online retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy.
Furthermore, keep an eye out for special screenings or revival showings of "Field of Dreams" at local theaters or film festivals. These events provide a unique opportunity to watch the film on the big screen, enhancing the immersive experience and allowing you to appreciate its cinematography and powerful moments in a communal setting.
Whether you choose to stream it, rent or purchase a digital copy, or attend a theatrical screening, "Field of Dreams" offers a captivating and inspiring cinematic journey that will leave a lasting impression. So, gather your loved ones, prepare some popcorn, and get ready to be transported into the enchanting world of "Field of Dreams."
Field of Dreams Ending Explained - FAQ
At the ending of "Field of Dreams," Ray Kinsella reconciles with his late father, John Kinsella, as they have a catch on the baseball field. The film concludes with the realization that the field attracts people who come to relive their dreams and find closure, symbolizing the power of reconciliation and the fulfillment of unfulfilled aspirations.
The true identity of the voice in "Field of Dreams" remains a mystery. Director Phil Alden Robinson recorded a temporary track as a placeholder during the editing process, and the final version of the voiceover was performed by different actors. Despite speculation, the actual voice actor has never been revealed.
The cast of "Field of Dreams" includes Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella, Amy Madigan as Annie Kinsella, Gaby Hoffmann as Karin Kinsella, James Earl Jones as Terence Mann, Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson, Timothy Busfield as Mark, Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham, and more.
The film "Field of Dreams" is based on the novel "Shoeless Joe" written by W.P. Kinsella. The screenplay was adapted by Phil Alden Robinson, who also directed the film
"Field of Dreams" can be watched through various platforms. It is available for streaming on subscription-based services like Peacock. Additionally, you can rent or purchase the film on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play, or Vudu. Physical copies can be found at video rental stores, retailers selling DVDs and Blu-rays, or online platforms like Amazon or Best Buy. Look out for special screenings or revival showings at local theaters or film festivals for a cinematic experience on the big screen.