Who Is Behind the Assassination Attempts in The Phoenician Scheme?

The following contains spoilers for The Phoenician Scheme, now playing in theaters

In a delightfully witty and touching finale, The Phoenician Scheme unveils the mysterious mastermind behind Zsa-zsa Karda’s assassination attempts throughout the film. The plot primarily revolves around Zsa-zsa, a cold-hearted and prosperous businessman, who is taken aback when his life is threatened repeatedly. Seeking to resolve his personal matters, Zsa-zsa endeavors to reconcile with his distant daughter Liesl, whose aspirations of becoming a nun offer a striking moral juxtaposition against her father’s character.

Characters from the film, “The Phoenician Scheme,” quickly encounter a collection of comedic sidekicks. However, the constant threat to the life of Zsa-zsa maintains an air of suspense throughout the entire journey. Ultimately, the culprit behind multiple attempts on Zsa-zsa’s life is revealed to be none other than the primary suspect. This revelation paves the way for a hilarious climactic battle that concludes the movie. In this critically acclaimed film, “The Phoenician Scheme,” we unmask the villain and learn why Zsa-zsa willingly forfeits his fortune after vanquishing his wicked half-brother.

Who Keeps Trying To Kill Zsa-zsa?

Nubar Is Secretly The Big Bad Of The Phoenician Scheme

One intriguing, ongoing speculation in the movie “The Phoenician Scheme” revolves around the unmasking of the individual who attempted to kill the protagonist. This character is later disclosed as his half-brother Nubar. Though Nubar isn’t presented until the concluding part of “The Phoenician Scheme”, he casts a long shadow over much of the film due to Zsa-zsa’s assertions that Nubar was behind the death of Liesl’s mother (and possibly her biological father). Despite not admitting these allegations, Nubar does admit in the movie’s finale that he orchestrated the multiple assassination attempts against Zsa-zsa.

Nubar’s hostility towards his half-brother appears to be the driving force behind the attempts on his life, not any personal gain such as his fortune or family ties. This enmity grew significantly when they both pursued the same woman. Eventually, the brother, Zsa-zsa, outsmarted Nubar and ended up killing him. Since Zsa-zsa stands to inherit everything and is now free of his troublesome sibling, it seems unlikely that he’ll continue with the assassination attempts. Instead, he can now peacefully live out his life.

Is Liesl Really Zsa-zsa’s Daughter?

Liesl Decides It Doesn’t Matter Who Her Biological Parent Is, Zsa-zsa Is Her Father

In the movie, there’s a puzzling question about Liesl’s true parentage. She is portrayed as the tycoon’s legitimate heir, being the daughter of his first wife. Yet, hints suggest that she might not be biologically related to him. The film often highlights their striking resemblance, particularly in their piercing eyes, which are strikingly similar to Nubar’s. It is revealed that Zsa-zsa’s husband was having an affair with another woman, raising the plausible theory that Liesl might actually be Nubar’s daughter.

It is implied that Zsa-zsa’s executive assistant was involved in a romantic relationship with her, which made it ironic when Zsa-zsa tried to convince Nubar they were romantically involved. The story suggests that Nubar may have arranged for both the assistant and Liesl’s mother to be killed, but his death means the truth will never be known. A key theme in the book “The Phoenician Scheme” revolves around the idea of choice when it comes to family and morality, as Lisel states that she doesn’t care who her biological parents are and considers Zsa-zsa, who is becoming more redeemed, as her true father.

What’s Up With Zsa-zsa’s Visions Of Heaven?

Zsa-zsa’s Visions Match His Moral Arc In The Film

In the novel “The Phoenician Scheme“, the character Zsa-zsa frequently faints or loses consciousness. During these instances, he is transported to a single-colored realm that functions as representations of his judgment heaven. His late wives and angels guide him in this place, leading him towards God where he discovers using slave labor is a grave sin. In essence, Zsa-Zsa’s depictions of the afterlife not only function as warnings for his spiritual wellbeing but also outline the progression of his moral development throughout the movie.

Throughout the movie, Zsa-Zsa undergoes a significant transformation in his moral compass, largely due to Liesl’s impact and his longing for her presence in his life. With each trip to what seems like heaven, Zsa-zsa is confronted with the realization that his past actions were not right. God, who proves to be an unyielding figure, doesn’t allow Zsa-Zsa to manipulate or negotiate. In the end, Zsa-Zsa finds a sense of faith primarily for Liesl’s sake, serving as his character development journey. As his visions evolve from being a test to unexpected acceptance, it mirrors his burgeoning conscience and eventual choice to strive for genuine improvement as a person.

Why Does Zsa-zsa Give Up His Fortune?

Zsa-zsa Ends The Film Much Poorer (And Much Happier)

In the closing scenes of “The Phoenician Scheme”, I found myself grappling with a shift in my perspective, influenced largely by the prospect of mending my bond with Liesl. This transformation led me to make an unprecedented decision – to forfeit my own wealth to bridge the remaining expenses required for the renovation of Phoenicia’s infrastructure.

Throughout most of the movie, I had been reluctant to entertain any notion that I would have to personally fund “The Gap”, the substantial financial shortfall stemming from the project. My attempts to persuade my extensive network of underworld contacts and other financiers to shoulder this burden were somewhat fruitful, yet fraught with complications.

In a significant turn of events, Zsa-zsa’s past and ethical choices catch up with him. He reminisces about a more straightforward life spent working alongside the staff on his father’s estate, a role he resumes after losing his wealth. Notably, his choice to compensate the workers instead of relying on slave labor signifies a crucial moral shift for the character, strengthening his renewed connection with Liesl, who embodies higher morality. This decision to give up the fortune that initially held great importance for him throughout The Phoenician Scheme highlights Zsa-zsa’s personal transformation throughout the course of the story.

The Real Meaning Of The Phoenician Scheme

Morality Is A Choice, Not A Birthright

A significant portion of “The Phoenician Scheme” is filled with humorous globe-trotting escapades featuring H-O-R-S-E games, revolutionary communists, and hand grenades. However, the fundamental lesson of this story revolves around the character arcs of Zsa-zsa, Liesl, and Bjørn. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes apparent that both Zsa-zsa and Bjørn have their own deceitful tendencies; yet, Liesl’s impact on them is profound. Zsa-zsa develops a sense of morality he can’t shake off, ultimately conceding to the terms set by Liesl for their ongoing relationship because it aligns with what is right.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself deeply moved by the story of Bjørn, who breaks ties with his American associates as he finds himself drawn to Zsa-zsa and Lies. Over time, even Liesl undergoes transformation, maintaining her faith while recognizing her own resemblance to her father, preventing her from fully becoming a nun. However, her impact on Zsa-zsa is profoundly positive, guiding him to make a decision that rescues many lives, unites a nation, and forges a newfound connection among them. In essence, they all confront moral dilemmas yet are richly rewarded with love for choosing the right path.

At last, each character selects what they believe is the most ethical course and one that strengthens their bonds. Bjørn stays devoted to Liesl and Zsa-zsa, which results in a romance and an engagement. Liesl departs from the convent to reunite with her family, evolving into a nurturing influence for her siblings and helping Zsa-zsa alter his behavior. Of all the characters, Zsa-zsa undergoes the most transformation, adopting a humble lifestyle of serving others rather than dictating life to suit him. This culminates in providing The Phoenician Scheme with a delightfully heartwarming ending.

2025-06-06 01:11