| 1 | * AlternateCharacterInterpretation: Because of the nebulous conclusion, a few people have concocted theories regarding that Bobby doesn't actually fly away at the end. One such theory is that Mike was the actual recipient of the abuse and that Bobby was just a psychological projection, ala ''Film/FightClub'', whom he used to disassociate himself from it, and that he "flew away" once The King was arrested because Mike no longer had any need of him. Another theory is that Bobby actually perished, and that Mike repressed this memory and constructed a false but bearable one. However, [[WordOfGod Director Richard Donner has denied all these theories]], while writer (and original director) David Mickey Evans has stated his intention was always to imply Bobby had died. However, in an interview David Mickey Evans said that both boys actually existed and both lived. |
| 2 | * AudienceAlienatingPremise: Big time, and the main reason the film was a major BoxOfficeBomb. Most kids won't want to watch a depressing movie that centers around child abuse, and most adults will be turned off by the ridiculous [[AnAesop Aesop]] of how it's OK not to tell anyone about an abuser if that person makes someone else happy. |
| 3 | * EsotericHappyEnding: The fact Bobby flies off and never comes back, even after the King is put away for good (the reason Bobby is escaping to begin with), flies around the world in that little wagon for years (he only had money to send postcards and is literally JustAKid) and only contacts Mike, and in his older age Mike reminisces all of this in a semi-whimsical fashion. There is a reason why audiences have asked Donner, Evans and the writers whether or not Bobby is dead or a hallucination. |
| 4 | %%* {{Glurge}} |
| 5 | * MoralEventHorizon: The King crosses this once he begins abusing Bobby. |
| 6 | * TearJerker: So, so many. The beatings, Shane's death [[spoiler:until it's revealed he's alive]], and Bobby's departure. |
| 7 | * WhyWouldAnyoneTakeHimBack: Though Mary eventually finds out Jack (the King) has drunk heavily and has beaten Bobby, she takes him back after the requested divorce and arrest, hoping to reconcile. However, she most likely hopes that the cycle of abuse will come to a stop and the drinking will cease, and unfortunately the abuse worsens. |
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