South Pacific

Main Plot

"South Pacific," directed by Joshua Logan, is a musical film set during World War II on a tropical island. The story revolves around two parallel love stories. The first involves Nellie Forbush, a naive U.S. Navy nurse, and Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner with a mysterious past. The second centers on Lieutenant Joe Cable, who falls for Liat, a young Tonkinese woman. Both relationships face challenges due to racial prejudices and the harsh realities of war. As the characters navigate their personal conflicts, they are also involved in a critical military operation against the Japanese forces. The film explores themes of love, prejudice, and the impact of war, set against the backdrop of lush island scenery and memorable musical numbers.

Characters

• Rossano Brazzi played Emile de Becque, a wealthy French plantation owner who falls in love with nurse Nellie Forbush, central to the romantic and dramatic tension.
• Mitzi Gaynor played Ensign Nellie Forbush, a naive and optimistic nurse who falls in love with a French plantation owner amidst the backdrop of World War II.
• John Kerr plays Lt. Joseph Cable, a young Marine officer who falls in love with Liat, a Tonkinese girl, while grappling with his own prejudices and the war's challenges.

Ending Explained

In the 1958 film "South Pacific," directed by Joshua Logan, the conclusion ties together the romantic and wartime narratives. The story culminates with the resolution of the central love story between Ensign Nellie Forbush, a U.S. Navy nurse, and Emile de Becque, a French plantation owner. After grappling with her prejudices and fears, Nellie overcomes her initial hesitation about Emile's mixed-race children and her love for him triumphs. Concurrently, the subplot involving Lt. Joseph Cable and the native girl Liat ends tragically with Cable's death during a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. This mission, which Emile also participates in, is crucial in providing intelligence that aids the Allied forces. The film concludes on a hopeful note as Emile returns safely to Nellie, who has been caring for his children. They embrace, symbolizing the overcoming of personal and societal barriers. The ending underscores themes of love, acceptance, and the human cost of war, while also highlighting the transformative power of understanding and compassion.