Pinocchio

The ending of Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” is both emotional and thought-provoking. After a daring escape plan, Pinocchio and his friends find themselves inside the deadly belly of the Dogfish. While trying to escape, Pinocchio sacrifices himself by using his extending nose to reach the Dogfish’s blowhole and force it to sneeze, but they are struck by a sea mine in the process. Pinocchio dies and is taken to purgatory, where he recognizes that every time he dies and returns, it takes longer for his soul to be restored, making his chances to save Geppetto even slimmer. When the moment comes, Pinocchio chooses to break the rules and return to rescue his father, knowing that doing so will make him mortal. He dies once more in the attempt, saving Geppetto from drowning. The Wood Sprite, witnessing this sacrifice, is moved to intervene. She uses her power—made possible by Cricket’s wish—to bring Pinocchio back to life, but this time not as a “real boy.” Instead, Pinocchio watches on as Geppetto, Spazzatura, and Cricket live out their lives and eventually pass away. Cricket reflects that Pinocchio’s ultimate sacrifice made him truly “a real boy,” emphasizing that it’s love and selflessness that define true humanity. The film’s ending underscores the importance of cherishing mortality and the choices that define one’s life, highlighting that sacrifice, love, and the acceptance of death are what make life meaningful. Despite straying from the original tale, the filmmakers leave viewers with the poignant idea that true humanity lies in the willingness to selflessly give everything for those we love, and that life’s fleeting nature makes it all the more precious.

Last Updated: July 21, 2025 at 10:29