I didn't get it...

I just caught the second half of this film on television and it's one of those films that I will stop and watch every time (I also have the DVD). Unfortunately, the version I just watched was heavily edited.

I've seen both versions of the film and have read the book several times, I enjoy each for what it is.

Some of the previous posters are far more eloquent in their interpretations of the ending but if you notice that as the film ends Larry is making his way up the long Paris stairs. I'd say it's symbolic of him leveling up. He's gained something by his experience and can move on.

There is sadness to be sure but sadness usually occurs at the loss of something good.

Some people love Maugham and others think he's a writer who deals in cliche but I do recommend reading this novel.

To me the ending was devastating I mean I felt sorry for Threasa russels character I mean here she had to get married due being knocked up the first time then looses both husband and son in a car accident due to a drunk driver, slides to a destructive path by becoming a hooker, To me Katherine Hicks character was selfish I mean she had a chance to marry Bill Murray's character but changed her mind after she seen where he was living at and his feelings of uneasiness. she settled for a rich guy she didn't love for the status. Then when Threasa russel's character cleans up her act and her and Bill Murray's character hooks up and they are planning to be married Katherine Hicks character tosses her past In her face and upsets her soo much she begins drinking again and returns back to her pimp who slits her throat and tosses her in the river. Then realizing Katherine Hicks character ruined their chances for a second chance by her selfish motives he told her in a nice way "U changed your mind and settled for money and prestige and he thought his reward was getting married to Sofie, then told her uncle and her husband he was going back to america nothing was in france for him anymore. Then told KH's character's husband she'll tell u what happened made me feel sorry for the characters. Its ashame KH's character did that a true friend would have told Sofie her wish would for her and Darrell to get married have a krap load of babies and grow old together not to forget her husband and son and put the past behind her.
NightDoggie63

It was both. Bittersweet. Through all the tragedy, he realized his unorthodox path was right. It may not payoff immediately though. The beautiful line is, "did you hold her down and keep her there?" The movie encapsulates the idea that words can be totally destructive; oppressive, mental chains. To me, this is about finding your true self and not living your life according to other people's plans for you.

[deleted]