The film’s climax centers on a pivotal moment in Birmingham, Alabama, where Dr. Don Shirley is denied entry to the whites-only dining room of the country club where he is scheduled to perform. Tony, his driver, stands up for him, but Shirley refuses to play under such conditions.
The two leave the venue and instead share a meal at a Black blues club, where Shirley joins the band on piano. This scene is a powerful statement about dignity and self-respect, showing that Shirley will not compromise his values for the sake of a performance.
The story then moves north, where Tony invites Shirley to spend Christmas with his family. Shirley initially declines but later changes his mind and arrives at Tony’s home. He is warmly welcomed by Tony’s extended family, a moment that symbolizes the breaking of racial and social barriers.
The film ends with real-life photos of Shirley and Tony, showing that their friendship lasted until they died in 2013.
This ending is often celebrated for its emotional resonance, but it also invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of race relations and the nature of true friendship.
The film suggests that personal connections can transcend societal divisions, but it also leaves room for debate about how much progress is truly possible in a society still grappling with systemic racism.
Controversy and Criticism
Despite its heartwarming conclusion, Green Book has faced significant criticism for its portrayal of race relations and historical accuracy. Critics argue that the film relies on the “white savior” trope, focusing more on Tony’s transformation than on Shirley’s experiences as a Black man in America.
Some viewers feel that the movie glosses over the harsh realities of racial discrimination in the 1960s, presenting a simplified view of racism that can be overcome through individual acts of kindness.
The controversy was further fueled by the film’s reception at award ceremonies. Green Book won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, but this recognition sparked intense debate.
Many argued that other nominated films offered more nuanced and progressive portrayals of race and that Green Book’s win highlighted ongoing issues with representation and diversity in Hollywood.
Green Book (Credit: Netflix)
Shirley’s family has also criticized the film for its inaccuracies. They claim that the movie distorts Shirley’s life and relationships, portraying him as isolated from the Black community and his family.
In reality, Shirley was deeply embedded in the Black community and participated in the Civil Rights movement. The film’s depiction of Shirley as a man who is alienated from his own people has been seen as particularly problematic.
The Impact and Legacy
Green Book has sparked important conversations about racial representation in media and the challenges of telling stories about race in America. The film has become a teaching tool in schools and universities, encouraging students to examine how past discrimination continues to shape present-day experiences.
It has also renewed interest in the actual Negro Motorist Green Book, leading to increased awareness of African American history and travel experiences during segregation.
However, the controversy surrounding Green Book underscores the ongoing challenges in addressing race in popular culture. The film’s focus on individual relationships can obscure broader societal issues that persist.
Critics argue that the movie falls into the “white savior” trope, potentially diminishing Shirley’s agency and experiences. This perspective has sparked important discussions about the need for diverse voices in storytelling and filmmaking.
Ultimately, Green Book serves as a starting point for conversations about racism, both past and present. Its impact extends beyond entertainment, prompting viewers to reflect on progress made and work still needed in racial equality.
The ending of The Help follows the main characters as they reach new beginnings and some level of personal victory, but it carries a mixed emotional tone rather than outright celebration. Skeeter achieves her dream of becoming a published author with her anonymous book exposing racism in Jackson, Mississippi.
Aibileen finally leaves her oppressive job after being falsely accused, and Minny escapes her abusive husband to live with Celia, who respects her. These resolutions feel uplifting, particularly against the bleak backdrop of 1960s segregation.
However, the film acknowledges the cost of these new chapters, especially for Black characters. For example, the young girl Mae Mae’s emotional future remains uncertain without Aibileen’s daily care, highlighting the persistent structural barriers Black families faced despite individual progress.
Hilly, the film’s primary antagonist, deteriorates socially and morally, illustrating the downfall of entrenched racist power.
The finale also shows Skeeter’s internal conflict about leaving behind the women who trusted her, underscoring the uneasy power dynamics and her privileged position as a white woman.
The film’s conclusion lets viewers feel hopeful while simultaneously exposing the complexity of social change; progress comes with struggle, sacrifice, and unresolved tensions.
The White Savior Problem: Storytelling Under Scrutiny
One of the most debated aspects of The Help’s ending and the film as a whole is its focus on Skeeter as the white savior figure.
Many critics argue that by centering the story on a white woman who “helps” Black maids expose racism, the film sidelines the voices, agency, and lived experiences of Aibileen, Minny, and other Black characters.
This framing simplifies the harsh realities of systemic oppression and shifts the spotlight away from those most affected. While Skeeter’s journey is portrayed as brave and transformative, it raises questions about who gets credit for telling whose stories and whether that narrative perpetuates racial biases or helps dismantle them.
The film has been criticized for romanticizing a painful period in history, offering a nostalgic, somewhat sanitized version of segregation-era Jackson.
The Help (Credit: Netflix)
This oversimplification ignores the violence and everyday dangers Black women faced and reduces rich, complex lives into easily digestible character types, like the “mammy” stereotype associated with Aibileen.
The happy ending for the protagonists contrasts with the real-world ongoing struggles of racial injustice, leaving some audiences feeling the story falls short of authentically representing Black history and resilience.
Despite this, The Help has sparked important conversations about race, privilege, and representation, clearly illustrating the tension between commercial storytelling and social truth in Hollywood films addressing racial issues.
What The Ending Means for Today’s Viewers
More than a decade after its release, The Help’s ending still resonates and provokes strong reactions. Its blend of hope and realism encourages viewers to reflect on how far society has and has not come regarding race relations and equal rights.
While the characters in the film find personal empowerment and some justice, the story acknowledges the limitations of these victories within a deeply flawed system. This tension is symbolized by Aibileen’s closing narration and departure, emphasizing that while an individual voice can rise, the larger fight against injustice remains unfinished.
The Help’s conclusion also serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of stories about racial inequality, while also compelling audiences to critically examine the ways such stories are told.
The film’s controversial positioning forces viewers to question whose perspectives are prioritized in historical narratives and whether “feel-good” endings do justice to the complexity of racial struggles. These dialogues contribute to ongoing cultural debates on race, power, and storytelling ethics that are as urgent today as ever.
For those who connect with The Help as an inspirational tale, the ending offers closure and personal victories amid systemic injustice. For others, it underscores the need for more authentic, inclusive storytelling that centers the voices of marginalized communities rather than filtering their histories through privileged outsiders.
Either way, The Help remains a significant, if imperfect, cultural touchstone in conversations about race and cinema.
This understanding of The Help’s ending reveals its layers: it is both a hopeful resolution and a reminder of ongoing racial challenges. The film’s legacy is shaped by this duality, continuing to inspire debate and reflection among diverse audiences.
