Continuity mistake: In the opening scenes, the police officer carries a shotgun to his vehicle. When he gets into the car, he's got a flashlight and a nightstick.
Magnolia (1999)
Ending / spoiler
Directed by: Paul Thomas Anderson
Starring: Julianne Moore, Tom Cruise, William H. Macy, Neil Flynn, Pat Healy, Genevieve Zweig, Mark Flanagan
Genres: Drama
It rains frogs. Jimmy (Phillip Baker Hall) tries to shoot himself but a frog hits his gun and makes him miss and shoot his television. It starts a fire and it implies that he either sufficates or is burned to death. Donnie (William H. Macy) returns the money. Jim (John C. Reilly) catches Donnie but lets him go. Frank (Tom Cruise) tells Earl (Jason Robards Jr.) he doesn't want him to die but still hates him. Earl dies. Stanley (Jeremy Blackman) tells his father he has to be nicer to him. Linda (Julianne Moore) survives the ambulance crash. Rose (Melinda Dillion) leaves Jimmy and goes to be Claudia (Melora Walters). Claudia lets Rose in to help her during the frog storm. Jim tells Claudia that he loves her no matter what because she's smart and beautiful. They get back together.
Chris McEwen
More mistakes in Magnolia
Avi Solomon: Donnie, you got struck by lightning last summer you were on vacation in Tahoe, I don't think braces is a good idea.
Question: What do the frogs stand for? Is it a biblical reference, or could the screenwriters just not think of a better way to wrap up?
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Answer: It's much debated the exact meaning, but it's kind of a reference saying that seemingly impossible things do happen. As we see later in the film, people stuck in similarly impossible situations might just have a chance of getting out of them.
RJR99SS