Big topic for debate on the TOB is the missing "I Love You"

[vkm91941]

There is much debate about whether or not Ennis actually says "I love you."  There is now a whole group of newbies who swear he breathes it into the shirts when he finds them...If he doesn't then they don't say "I love you" at all. ) WE all know he does not)   I think it's  better that way, the audience doesn't need to hear it.

From all the imagery and actions in the film we know that they are deeply in love with each other. The dramatic scene at the end, where they argue and break down exemplifies their passion for each other.  So Let address those scene where they say  I Love You with their actions an other words....


First example that comes to mind for me is the "NO more Beans" comment from Jack, Ennis who doesn't eat soup orders soup and tells the Basque that he's sick of beans.  Sweet!   Others?

[David]

Second example:   When Jack takes off his bandana, dips it in hot water and tries to tend to Ennis's bleeding head wound.

[DeeDee]

My biggest  I love you moment is when they are sitting by the campfire and Jack gently touches Ennis' cheek.  I tell you, I felt the love right through to my own heart.

[vkm91941]

Another one is the gut-wrench and evocative line  "Sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it"

[MaineWriter]

I know that when Ennis says, "I'm sending up a prayer of thanks..." he is not really being thankful for Jack not bringing his harmonica.

[Ray]

The moment when Ennis pushes Jack away from him in the final lake scene and Jake doesn't skip a beat, but pulls Ennis into him even though he knows it could mean another bruised cheek. He knows precisely what Ennis is going through and just wants to comfort him.

[JennyC]

Reunion scene in the motel:  Ennis' almost undetectable smile and mumble when Jack said he red-lined all the way , couldn't get there fast enough and asked Ennis "What about you?'

[Becky]

There are lots of "I love you"'s throughout BBM. But they tend to come from me and not the screen.

But you guys are right, they don't need to say that they love each other, it is all said on the screen with the actions they use and the looks they give. And remember the saying "Actions can speak a thousand words".

[Meryl]

Heh, this is so reminiscent of my Lord of the Rings days.  At some point, all sorts of people became convinced that Frodo said "I love you" to Sam when he hugged him in the last scene.  No amount of listening with the volume up ever made me think they were anything but wishful thinkers.  I think this is the same phenomenon at work. 

I think maybe the closest Ennis comes to saying "I love you" is "There ain't no reins on this one."

[littleguitar]

The way Ennis is clearly excited while waiting for Jack after those four years apart then Jack's big grin and "son of a bitch" as he hugs him....