Decoding the Murky Depths of "Blue Lagoon" Endings: More Than Just a Swim in Silica-Rich Waters
"The Blue Lagoon" brings to mind clear waters and the life choices of stranded kids. When you hear "Blue Lagoon," you might think, "How did that movie end?" If you're unsure, you're not the only one. The ending of the original movie (1980) is as clear as those milky-blue waters. Which is to say, not at all.
The Original "Blue Lagoon" (1980) Ending: Asleep or Actually Asleep?
Let’s get to the point: the ambiguous ending of the 1980 classic, "The Blue Lagoon." We find Emmeline and Richard, cousins turned lovers, drifting at sea with their toddler son, Paddy. Not your typical family trip, is it? The movie ends with a boat finding them adrift. The sailor checks on them and says, "They're asleep." Hopeful, right? Like a fairytale where everyone just needs a nap.
Initially, audiences felt hopeful. Stranded, yes, but safe and just resting. However, if you look for a definitive "happily ever after" involving coconuts, the sequel novel, "The Garden of God" (1923), delivers grim news. It bluntly states, "No, they are dead." Ouch. A twist revealed decades later. It's like finding out you insulted someone's prized cat at a party. Awkward.
"Return to the Blue Lagoon" (1991): Confirming the Unpleasantness
So how did we reach this double-death scenario? Let's rewind to the berry incident. Baby Paddy grows hungry while drifting. He snacks on brightly colored berries found on the boat. These aren't your normal berries. They're the 'never-wake-up' type. Realizing that their child has eaten fatal fruit, Richard and Emmeline decide to share the remaining berries. They split them and share a final kiss. Romance meets doom.
Character Fates: Beyond the Berry Patch
Richard and Emmeline are dead as confirmed in the sequel. But what about other characters in the "Blue Lagoon" saga? Let’s conduct a quick character evaluation.
Richard and Emmeline: A Tale of Two Endings
The original 1980 movie and novel hinted at death, ambiguously asking if they survived with "They're asleep." This left a flicker of hope that perhaps these lovers pulled through. Common Sense Media suggests this hopeful view, focusing on themes.
However, "Return to the Blue Lagoon" sealed all optimism. No miraculous rescue exists. Just cold, hard death. The sequel emphasizes making sense of the story, with less focus on artistic integrity.
Paddy (The Cook): Rum, Regret, and an Early Exit
Paddy, the ship's cook who finds himself marooned with the kids, doesn't face a romantic end. His fate is more tragic: alcohol poisoning. One day, a barrel of alcohol washes ashore—a pirate's dream. Paddy drinks excessively. The children find him on the beach in what they think is deep sleep. But he has died from intoxication. The lesson? Even on a deserted island, moderation is crucial.
Baby Paddy: Ambiguous Fate, Sequel Salvation
Baby Paddy's fate in the original movie is uncertain. He shares the boat with his parents drifting out to sea, joining in their final meal. The ending leaves his survival unclear. IMDb's plot summary notes this ambiguity. It's a cliffhanger that makes you ponder if toddlers can handle poisonous fruits.
Yet "Return to the Blue Lagoon" offers a more positive ending for baby Paddy. He survives and is rescued, likely destined for future adventures or therapy sessions. One Paddy lives, a slight victory in the tragedies of Blue Lagoon.
The Baby in "Return to the Blue Lagoon": Survival of the Fittest (and Cutest)
In "Return to the Blue Lagoon," another baby survives against odds. This unnamed infant is rescued with Milla Jovovich's character, Lilli. While perilous for adults, deserted islands seem surprisingly baby-friendly here. Perhaps there’s a hidden society of island babies thriving on coconuts.
"Blue Lagoon: The Awakening" (2012): A Modern, Less Deadly Lagoon
Fast forward to 2012 with "Blue Lagoon: The Awakening," a Lifetime adaptation. This version reduces existential dread and berry-related deaths. Emma and Dean face a vastly different ending. Rather than float towards death, they...kiss and dance. Yes, you read correctly: a kiss and dance.
After all the drama and turmoil, they resolve issues with an embrace and some moves. The movie ends with Emma saying, "We are pouring!" to which Dean responds, "We've been through worse." Whether this means their relationship is overflowing with understanding or just excitement for drinks is unclear. Nonetheless, it’s a brighter ending than the previous films. The Baltimore Sun's review discusses this contrast in tone.
Emma and Dean's Relationship: Modern Island Problems
Emma and Dean's relationship in "The Awakening" isn't about just surviving nature’s challenges but addressing modern relationship struggles. Once rescued, they face family issues and societal reintegration complications together.
Emma seems to want Dean to fit into her life instead of cherishing their shared experience. Their past intimacy disappears amid homecoming events and awkward social dynamics. Yet, in true made-for-TV fashion, a kiss and dance magically resolve everything. Island therapy seems effective but fleeting.
Richard and Emmeline's Relationship:
Island Love, Cousin Edition
Let's return to Richard and Emmeline. They are the original lagoon lovebirds. Their relationship is key to the plot. This raises eyebrows today. They are first cousins. The movie's 19th-century setting makes this less scandalous. Context is key. It adds intrigue to their island romance.
The movie explores their sexual awakening. It does this boldly for its time, still raising questions today due to Brooke Shields' age during filming. Emmeline's journey through puberty features her first period, morning sickness, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Richard's experiences are less explicit. A scene shows him masturbating from behind. Emmeline later comments she sees "everything he does." It's a coming-of-age story with awkward biological realities in tropical isolation.
Sequels and Adaptations: Lagoon Lore Expands
The Blue Lagoon's popularity has led to sequels and adaptations. Each one spins its own version of the survival narrative.
"Return to the Blue Lagoon" (1991): Déjà Vu in Paradise
"Return to the Blue Lagoon" is a direct sequel to the 1980 film. It retells the same story with new characters. The ending is less ambiguous. It’s more depressing for the parents but happier for at least one baby. It's a recap of the original, borrowing its plot points and themes heavily. If you liked the first film and wanted more of the same but slightly different, then "Return to the Blue Lagoon" is for you. It's like ordering a familiar dish with a small twist.
"Blue Lagoon: The Awakening" (2012): Television Tries the Lagoon
"Blue Lagoon: The Awakening" marked a shift to television. This adaptation by Lifetime modernizes the story. It replaces 19th-century cousins with high school students. The focus shifts from poisonous berries to family drama and teen angst. It keeps the idea of two young people stranded on an island but updates it for a 21st-century audience. Consider it the "Blue Lagoon" for the CW generation. It’s less about survival against nature and more about navigating high school social hierarchies on a beach.
Controversy and Brooke Shields' Experience: Behind the Lagoon's Beauty
"The Blue Lagoon" faces controversy. Its portrayal of underage sexuality raises questions. Filming practices have sparked significant debate, especially regarding Brooke Shields’ experiences.
Brooke Shields' Age and the Film's Content: A Delicate Balance
Brooke Shields was just 14 years old during filming. This fact raises eyebrows due to mature themes and implied sexual content. Shields spoke about being sexualized young. She faced pressure during filming. The film struggles to balance youthful innocence with emerging sexuality, and many believe it fails to do so responsibly.
Shields' Reflections: Hopes for Protection and Accusations of Exploitation
Shields has expressed hope that young stars today are better protected. She has been honest about feeling exploited. She accused the director of wanting to "sell my sexual awakening." This highlights Hollywood's darker side. Young actors are vulnerable in complex environments. Her experience emphasizes the need for protecting young performers on and off-screen.
Shields also revealed she ignored a call from the director after a documentary about her life was released. This detail shows the lasting impact of her filming experiences and her complicated relationship with the film that started her fame.
Milla Jovovich in "Return to the Blue Lagoon": A Different Lagoon Experience
Milla Jovovich starred in "Return to the Blue Lagoon" at 15. She faced comparisons to Brooke Shields. However, Jovovich's perspective seems about not liking the movie. She called it the worst film she has ever done. Ouch. That’s as blunt as a coconut falling on your head. Even paradise can have downsides, especially with a sequel obligation.
The Real Blue Lagoon Location: Not So Deserted After All
Let's set aside romantic notions of the Blue Lagoon as untouched paradise. The real Blue Lagoon, in Iceland, is a man-made hot spring pool. Yes, it’s man-made. Not a naturally occurring lagoon of love and berries, but a giant hot tub.
The water’s milky blue hue comes from its high silica content from geothermal seawater rich in minerals. While great for skin, these minerals can harm hair. Silica can leave your hair feeling stiff and dry. If you plan to visit the actual Blue Lagoon, remember: conditioner is essential. Use it liberally while you bathe. Your hair will appreciate it, even if your inner Emmeline or Richard is disappointed to learn paradise needs planning for hair health.
So, there you have it. The endings of "The Blue Lagoon," full of confusing and occasionally depressing moments. From ambiguous survival to definitive tragedy, from berry-induced drama to resolutions without clarity, the Blue Lagoon saga presents endings as murky as its silica-rich waters. If you find yourself stranded on an island with a toddler and suspicious berries, pack extra conditioner and a sequel novel. You know, for clarification.
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