Citizen Kane, often hailed as the greatest film ever made traces the life of Charles Foster Kane, a publishing mogul whose rise to fame and wealth is marred by personal tragedies and moral failings. Directed by Orson Welles, who also played the title role, the movie opens with Kane’s death and follows a journalistic investigation into his final word, “rosebud.” This mystery, woven into the fabric of the story, provides a unique lens through which viewers can explore his life and legacy.
The film’s structure is non-linear, with flashbacks to Kane’s childhood, career, and relationships, building a comprehensive picture of the man who once had everything but ended up lonely and regretful. As the movie concludes, it becomes clear that “rosebud” is a symbol that ties together his complicated existence. Despite the film’s audience receiving a definitive explanation of this cryptic word, Kane’s life and the meaning behind his death remain a subject of profound reflection.
Citizen Kane’s Ending Explained
In the final scene of Citizen Kane, the audience learns the true significance of “rosebud.” As workers at Kane’s estate, Xanadu, sort through his belongings, they discard a sled marked with the word “rosebud.” This sled, a relic of his childhood, is tossed into a fire and burned. The reveal is poignant, especially since journalist Jerry Thompson, who spends the entire film searching for the meaning of the word, never uncovers its truth.
The sled, shown earlier in flashbacks, serves as a symbol of Kane’s innocence and lost childhood. Its connection to his deathbed utterance reinforces the film’s central theme: the yearning for simpler, happier times in the face of a complex, often painful adult life. The symbolism of the sled’s destruction adds a layer of tragic irony, suggesting that Kane’s legacy—like his childhood—will ultimately be forgotten and destroyed.
Charles Foster (Image via Getty)
The Role of Rosebud in Kane’s Innocence
Throughout Citizen Kane, the flashbacks reveal Kane’s early years as a happy, carefree boy, enjoying the freedom of childhood, particularly during snowy days when he would play with his sled. This innocence stands in stark contrast to his adulthood, which is characterized by manipulation, betrayal, and personal failures. Kane’s final word, “rosebud,” reflects his longing for that lost innocence.
In the final moments of the film, Kane’s deathbed is juxtaposed with his earlier life, where the sled symbolizes a moment of pure joy. As Kane reflects on his legacy—a life full of greed, loneliness, and broken relationships—it’s clear that his desire for “rosebud” is an expression of regret. His wealth and power could not bring him the fulfillment he once found in his childhood, and this realization is a poignant reminder of the emptiness that can accompany material success.
The irony of Kane’s attachment to “Rosebud” is further emphasized by the fact that, despite his immense wealth and influence, it is the sled—something from his humble beginnings—that stays with him to the end. His personal relationships, especially with his wives and close friends, disintegrate over time, leaving him isolated in his mansion. Even as he accumulates material possessions, it is the memory of his childhood, embodied by “rosebud,” that provides the only source of solace in his final moments.
Rosebud Reflects Kane’s Resistance
Kane’s life is also marked by resistance. From his refusal to stay with his guardian, Walter Thatcher, to his rebellious actions as a young man, Kane constantly fought against the forces that sought to control him. This resistance is symbolized by “rosebud,” the sled he uses to strike Thatcher in a moment of defiance. Throughout the film, Kane is portrayed as a fighter—a man who, despite his flaws and egomaniacal tendencies, resists the forces that attempt to shape his destiny.
The sled represents more than just a memory of childhood—it is a symbol of Kane’s rebellion against the constraints imposed upon him. Even as an adult, Kane continues to fight against societal expectations, especially in his journalistic pursuits. However, this spirit of resistance ultimately leads him down a path of moral decay. His once noble fight for freedom and independence becomes corrupted by ambition and power, leaving him estranged from the very ideals he once cherished.
Jedediah Leland (Image via Getty)
Despite the many controversies surrounding Kane’s career and personal life, his resistance to the world around him ensures his survival in a world that constantly seeks to tear him down. Yet, as the film reveals, this defiance comes at a great cost, leading to his eventual downfall. The symbolism of “rosebud” thus encapsulates Kane’s enduring spirit, even as it reflects the tragic nature of his existence.
The Comparison to William Randolph Hearst
Citizen Kane is widely regarded as a thinly veiled portrayal of William Randolph Hearst, the real-life media magnate. Like Kane, Hearst was a powerful figure in journalism and politics, with a vast empire built on sensationalism and controversy. Both men’s careers were marked by yellow journalism, and both saw their fortunes crumble in the face of scandal and financial ruin.
Hearst’s reaction to Citizen Kane was notably hostile; he attempted to suppress the film’s release by using his influence over the media. His efforts were unsuccessful, but they served to highlight the parallels between his life and Kane’s. Like Kane, Hearst died alone, his empire in ruins. The connection between the two figures provides an additional layer of depth to the film’s exploration of power, ambition, and the ultimate emptiness that results from a life spent chasing success at the expense of personal relationships.
The comparison between Kane and Hearst also highlights the cyclical nature of the narrative. Kane’s rise and fall mirror the trajectory of many real-world figures who amass great power and wealth, only to see it all slip away in the end. The film’s commentary on the corrupting influence of power is not just a fictional exploration—it reflects the real-world consequences of unchecked ambition and the moral compromises that often accompany it.
Citizen Kane and The Great Gatsby
Citizen Kane’s story shares many thematic similarities with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Both narratives revolve around individuals who rise to prominence through questionable means, only to experience tragic downfalls. In both stories, the protagonists—Kane and Gatsby—inherit their wealth from powerful mentors, but their fortunes are built on morally dubious foundations.
Kane’s success in yellow journalism parallels Gatsby’s bootlegging operations during the Prohibition era. Both characters are driven by an idealized vision of the American Dream, but their achievements are ultimately hollow and unfulfilling. In both cases, the protagonists’ quests for success and love lead to their demise, reinforcing the central message of both works: the American Dream is often a myth, one that promises more than it can deliver.
Charles Foster (Image via Getty)
The connection between Citizen Kane and The Great Gatsby is particularly evident in their shared focus on the isolation that accompanies wealth and success. Kane and Gatsby both live in grand estates, surrounded by luxury, but ultimately die alone. Their stories serve as cautionary tales about the dangers of pursuing material wealth at the expense of genuine human connection, offering a critique of the empty promises of the American Dream.
The True Meaning Behind Citizen Kane’s Ending
Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane is a film that challenges the traditional narrative of the American hero. Rather than celebrating the rise of a man who overcomes adversity to achieve greatness, the film presents a tragic story of a man who sacrifices everything—his innocence, his relationships, and his happiness—in the pursuit of wealth and power. The film’s ending underscores the ultimate emptiness of Kane’s life, a life that, despite its outward success, is filled with regret and sorrow.
The burning of “rosebud” symbolizes the death of Kane’s idealized childhood, a poignant reminder that no amount of material success can bring back what has been lost. This serves as a moral lesson, warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the destructive effects of greed. Kane’s death is not just the end of a man’s life, but the culmination of a lifetime of poor choices and moral compromises.
The film’s enduring relevance is evident in the way it continues to resonate with audiences today. As society grapples with issues of corruption, inequality, and the concentration of power, Citizen Kane remains a powerful commentary on the perils of ambition and the hollow nature of success. Through its investigation of Kane’s life and death, the film presents a timeless warning to those who pursue fame and fortune at the expense of everything else.
The plot of Night Has Come takes an unexpected turn when Ko Kyung-Jun, a simple civilian, is brutally murdered by Duo-Fan without any chance to defend himself. The narrative becomes even more complicated when characters suspect the involvement of others, as Duo-Fan and Kim Zhao-Wei frequently use the word “we” in conversations, leaving the true number of killers unclear. Yoon-Seo discovers a new photo in a cabinet that differs from the previous one; this photo includes all the classmates, not just a single unfamiliar girl.
Suddenly, everyone experiences a flash of light, triggering the collective memory of a student named Park Se-Eun. This is a moment as it reveals the possibility of erasing and restoring memories. After regaining their memories, the group begins to question who could have organized this twisted game. As the discussions unfold, suspicion falls on the killers, particularly regarding who may have been responsible for Park Se-Eun’s suicide. Ro-Hi, feeling guilty, approaches Kim Zhao-Wei, but he refuses to reveal the truth out of fear of being branded a killer.
Kim Zhao-Wei then manipulates a female student, convincing her to vote for Ro-Hi instead of Duo-Fan, changing the course of the game. The complex web of accusations and alliances deepens. Meanwhile, Jun-Hee finds Kyung-Jun’s phone in the warehouse, casting further doubt on Duo-Fan. Duo-Fan, however, deflects suspicion, blaming two others. Amidst the mounting tension, Kim Zhao-Wei accuses Ro-Hi of causing Park Se-Eun’s death, and in response, Ro-Hi reveals her true identity as an undercover police officer. She exposes Kim Zhao-Wei’s role as one of the killers using the phone.
Lee Hae-seo’s (Image via Getty)
Night Has Come Ending Explained
The intense conflict suggests that this deadly game is part of a large hypnotic event orchestrated by the police to uncover the truth behind Park Se-Eun’s death. The stakes grow higher as the main culprit begins to emerge from the web of intrigue. The supernatural aspects of the game, which seem to revolve around hypnotism and dreams, are crucial in resolving this life-or-death scenario.
In Night Has Come Episode 10, Ro-Hi, the undercover police officer, is found dead despite her best efforts to hide in the ceiling. This event raises more questions, especially about the killers’ strategies. Were they searching for victims throughout the night, or did they have an uncanny ability to anticipate the characters’ movements? The story hints that there may still be another hidden killer—Jung-Yeon, a character whose quiet demeanor makes her an unlikely suspect but a potential danger nonetheless.
Jung-Yeon uncovers a bloodstain above her, leading to suspicions about whether the blood is self-inflicted, perhaps to mislead others. As the plot advances, more characters begin to suspect each other. The game, already perilous, becomes even more complicated, as Duo-Fan, tricked by Yoon-Seo’s plan, goes to check the restaurant footage, and the chubby student is found injured. Who will the remaining civilians choose to vote for in the next round?
The Complexity of the Game: Episode 11
The game grows increasingly challenging, with multiple killers and only one police officer and one doctor left, both of whom are easy targets. The killers, bound by a system that prevents them from revealing each other’s identities, face their own challenges. Kim Zhao-Wei comes close to exposing the truth but is silenced by the system before he can act. Before his death, Zhao-Wei makes a discovery—the statue represents Park Se-Eun, the student who committed suicide. In a heartbreaking moment, Zhao-Wei takes his own life in front of the statue.
Episode 11 sheds light on crucial rules of the game, such as the fact that killers can eliminate more than one person in a day. This revelation helps explain why the game has dragged on for so long. Jung-Yeon is shown as the final undisclosed killer, and her role becomes clear. Without her involvement, Yoon-Seo and the others would have likely been eliminated much sooner, as Zhao-Wei could have killed everyone in a single day. Jung-Yeon’s role has been pivotal to the survival of the remaining contestants.
Kim Jun Hee (Image via Getty)
Unexpected Alliances and Strategic Moves
The chubby student turns out to be just a civilian, and his injury was part of a setup. Jung-Yeon’s strategic vote against him allows Duo-Fan to survive. Jung-Yeon could have sacrificed him to further her own agenda, but instead, she decides to play a more complex role, delaying her own killings and deciding whether to sacrifice herself or claim the title of the ultimate killer.
Meanwhile, Jun-Hee is unable to bring himself to kill his classmate Duo-Fan. He pleads for Duo-Fan to take his life to spare the others. Yoon-Seo begins to suspect that Jung-Yeon is the true killer and implores her to end the suffering. After everyone falls asleep, Duo-Fan proposes a mass elimination of all survivors. However, Jung-Yeon persuades him to target others while she focuses on Yoon-Seo and Jun-Hee. Duo-Fan delights in his murder spree, but Jung-Yeon unexpectedly spares the two.
Final Betrayals and the Revelation
As the story reaches its climax, Duo-Fan and Jung-Yeon discover that Yoon-Seo’s phone is still active, indicating she is still alive. They check the freezer, only to realize Jung-Yeon’s plan. Duo-Fan, now aware of the scheme, decides to eliminate her as well. However, this move appears to violate the rules of the game, leading to his own self-elimination by the system. In the end, the trio of main characters—Yoon-Seo, Jun-Hee, and Jung-Yeon—are left to face the consequences of their actions.
Episode 12: The Final Twist
The ending of Night Has Come takes a surreal turn. It turns out that the game was not a result of hypnosis, but rather a brain-machine game created by Park Se-Eun’s parents. These parents, driven by grief over their daughter’s bullying and suicide, trapped all the students in this twisted game through unknown methods. They created the character of Jung-Yeon to ensure she always emerged victorious. The game, it seems, has been running for multiple rounds, with Jung-Yeon previously sacrificing herself to help Yoon-Seo, leading to her side’s defeat.
Koh Gyeong-jun (Image via Getty)
Jung-Yeon’s role as a civilian is revealed, with her team winning if she survives. It’s suggested that in previous games, Yoon-Seo may have died early, allowing Jung-Yeon to gain awareness of the game and her role in it. After revealing the truth, Duo-Fan’s fate becomes irrelevant. His escape from the freezer no longer matters, as he is trapped in the cycle of the game. What initially seemed like a quest to uncover Park Se-Eun’s tormentor turns out to be a much broader and more complex scheme, with Se-Eun’s parents indiscriminately targeting all the students.
The Unforeseen Consequences of Revenge
In a poignant moment, Se-Eun’s father expresses a desire to end the game, but his wife firmly disagrees. The game continues, but Yoon-Seo’s memory remains intact, which adds a layer of tragic irony. She is the only one who starts the game with full knowledge of the truth, and her suffering is far deeper than that of the other participants. This raises the unsettling question: did Se-Eun’s parents target the wrong individuals in their quest for revenge?
The finale shows Yoon-Seo waking up in the car, smiling at Jun-Hee, only to see Jung-Yeon sitting expressionless in the back row. This final moment hints at Yoon-Seo’s inevitable doom in this round. The setting mimics modern technological advances, suggesting that what the characters have experienced may be a representation of a greater, more profound truth about the nature of their reality.
Comparison with “Singularity”
The plot of Night Has Come shares thematic similarities with the novel Singularity , where the protagonist explores a world full of mysteries and challenges the understanding of reality. In Singularity , Noah’s Ark is not just a legendary tale but a metaphor for our contemporary lives, posing the question: if the Ark cannot be found, do we truly understand the reality we inhabit? Similarly, in Night Has Come , the characters’ world seems to be controlled by an unseen force, trapping them in a virtual reality governed by the game’s creators. Both narratives invite reflection on the mysteries of existence and the boundaries between reality and illusion.
