Ride On

In the end, Lao and Bao reconcile after she discovers the tragic reason behind his past silence and his years of suffering. Lao had been severely injured in a stunt accident eight years earlier, which left him with brain damage, amnesia, and deep depression. His absence during Bao’s mother’s illness and her subsequent death haunted Bao with feelings of abandonment and anger. When Bao finds CCTV footage revealing Lao’s struggles and pain, she finally understands that Lao’s silence was driven by shame and suffering, not indifference. Her forgiveness represents a heartfelt acknowledgment of Lao’s sacrifices and hardships. They share a bittersweet moment, watching Lao’s actual stunt footage, and Lao promises to stop overworking himself and to protect Red Hare. However, Lao’s desire to continue working and perform stunts again clashes with Bao’s protective instincts. Despite her pleas, Lao chooses to push forward with a challenging stunt, refusing to use safety measures, risking not only himself but also Red Hare. When Lao’s reckless stunt nearly endangers both him and the horse, he finally sees the truth in Bao’s worries and admits his mistake. He then apologizes and works with Bao to fight for Red Hare’s custody. Unfortunately, the legal battle is lost, and Lao has to say goodbye to his beloved horse. As Red Hare is taken away, it’s clear that Lao is heartbroken and feels like he’s lost a part of himself. Yet, in a surprising turn, Ho Xing, the horse collector, is convinced by Bao’s emotional appeal and the evidence of Lao’s genuine love and integrity. He agrees to return Red Hare to Lao, symbolizing the rekindling of the “stuntman spirit” and Lao’s resilience. At the end, when Lao reunites with Red Hare, the restored “Beware of the Horse” sign signifies that Lao’s spirit, rooted in dedication, sacrifice, and the passion for his craft, is alive and well. The film closes on a note of hope and respect for the stuntmen’s legacy, honoring Jackie Chan’s own remarkable career and the sacrifices made by all those behind the scenes of action cinema.

In the end, Lao’s past pain and sacrifices are finally understood by Bao when she discovers CCTV footage showing his struggle with a severe stunt accident eight years ago. This revelation mends the fractured father-daughter relationship, allowing Bao to forgive Lao’s earlier silence and neglect. Their shared moment of viewing Lao’s real stunt footage underscores Lao’s enduring spirit and resilience, and he promises to stop risking himself and Red Hare needlessly. Yet Lao’s relentless passion pulls him into one last dangerous stunt, refusing safety measures in his determination to re-experience the thrill. When the stunt nearly causes disaster for himself and Red Hare, Lao finally recognizes Bao’s concerns and admits his mistakes. Despite their efforts in court, Lao loses custody of Red Hare to Ho Xing, the horse collector, who had tried to manipulate the legal system. Heartbroken, Lao hands over Red Hare, feeling as though he’s lost a vital part of himself, but the story takes a hopeful turn when Bao advocates passionately for him. She presents evidence of Lao’s true love for Red Hare and his genuine dedication to the stuntman’s spirit, convincing Ho Xing to return the horse. When Lao reunites with Red Hare and the iconic “Beware of the Horse” sign is restored, it symbolizes that Lao’s spirit—rooted in sacrifice, passion, and resilience—is alive and thriving. The film ends on a poignant note, celebrating the legacy of stuntmen, honoring Jackie Chan’s own remarkable career, and paying tribute to those behind the scenes who risk everything for their craft.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59