Departure – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Tien & Fah

The movie establishes the differences between the leads in the beginning. Tien arrives at their meeting early, doesn't mind his partner is late, and he's full of warm greetings. In contrast, Fah is preoccupied with work, asks for his passport immediately, and doesn't have sentimental value in their reunion. What we know about their relationship dynamic is the imbalance. The two main characters might be ex-boyfriends, but they don't feel the same way about each other. Tien cares about making a good impression, and Fah not so much.

During their conversation, we gather clues about their past. Fah and Tien had a tight relationship previously. They must have lived together for Tien to carry Fah's passport in his home. The two men also reminisced fond memories, revealing joyous times together. However, it doesn't take long for Tien to mention their break-up. He has been thinking about their relationship and doesn't understand why his partner dumped him. Fah never answers him, eager to change the topic.

As the meal progresses, we see signs of Tien treating his ex-boyfriend well. He orders Fah's favourite food and goes to extremes to get him some ice for the beer. However, his kind gestures go unappreciated. When Tien returns with the ice from the store, Fah reveals he has already thrown away the warm beer. It's a clear sign of Tien putting more effort into their relationship and Fah simply not reciprocating. Even though they used to be close before, this former couple is no longer in their glory.

Fah

Fah answers a phone call in the middle of their dinner date. The caller's identity isn't disclosed, but we can take a guess and assume it's his new boyfriend. Fah smiles when talking to this person, addresses Tien as "just a friend", and tells the recipient not to overthink. Whoever called him, it's someone Fah puts effort into impressing. This mystery caller may be the reason for the break-up. Tien seems to think so, asking about "Eddie" after his ex returns. If Fah had fallen for someone else, it'd explain why Tien got dumped.

While Fah talks on the phone, the cinematographer makes an artistic decision to film him through the window view. It's symbolic of how Tien perceives his ex-boyfriend, like an opaque image without clarity. In the next scene, Tien suddenly enters the frame without warning. Curiosity has gotten the best of him, and he stepped outside to eavesdrop on Fah's conversation. Fah is surprised to see his ex-boyfriend, and the viewers are also caught off-guard. Once again, the cinematography subtly conveys how the characters feel and react in a given moment.

Whether Fah has a new boyfriend or not, we get the impression his character has moved on from the past. While Tien seems hopeful about reconciliation, his ex-boyfriend doesn't view their relationship the same way. During their chat, Tien mentions how Fah changed his phone case after just three months. This off-handed remark shows how Fah quickly discards old belongings, not holding onto past mementos if he doesn't feel attached anymore. Likewise, Tien is simply an ex-lover to him. There's no chance of them getting back together from his perspective.

Farewell

The movie's climax is a passionate kiss between Fah and Tien that happens almost inexplicably. You may notice a lighting change as they smooch. This scene likely happened in Tien's imagination, representing his repressed sexual desire. However, I can also make a case that their kiss occurred in reality. Maybe Fah feels moved by Tien's love for him and gives in a kiss. There's enough room left for interpretation, which leaves you guessing their relationship with each other. 

Although Fah doesn't want to reconcile with his boyfriend, his character still loves Tien to some degree. Earlier, we see him patiently remove the toppings from the food since it's something his ex doesn't like to eat. It's a thoughtful deed you'd do for a loved one. Later, Fah initiates a warm embrace in their farewell scene. Tien doesn't want to hug him initially, but his ex insists. Fah picks up the signals that his partner feels wounded by their breakup and comforts him with a loving hug. We can tell Tien quietly appreciates the gesture.

Sad ending

Departure has a sad ending where Tien and Fah don't get back together. As a viewer, you may want Tien's character to be happy and reconcile with his ex-boyfriend. However, the movie makes a realistic conclusion where the characters part ways after the dinner. They share an emotional hug in their final interaction. Fah tells Tien to take care, and then he leaves him. The farewell is low-key, but it feels devastating because we know how badly Tien still loves Fah.

The last scene in Departure shows Tien disconnecting his wireless earbuds from the phone. The moment is a callback to the first scene where he struggles to get his device to work. The earbuds are clever symbolism, representing Tien's inability to connect with his ex-boyfriend. Despite his attempts to make the technology work, he can't force what is already broken. Finally, Tien gives up on attaching the earbuds to his phone. It symbolizes his character's acceptance that he can't get back together with his ex, who doesn't reciprocate his connection.

The final shot shows Tien wearing the earbuds as he gazes into the night landscape. We know the device isn't working, but Tien wears it anyway. This seemingly pointless gesture highlights that his relationship with Fah is still a part of Tien's identity. No, the earbuds don't work anymore. And yes, he has accepted that it won't connect in the future. Nonetheless, Tien still holds onto the past, keeping it close to him as he tries to move forward.