The day after I watched 'The Fault In Our Stars' for the third time (
Why I Watched TFiOS Three Times #ShamelessPlug) I began to realize that the reason why people cried so much in that film was because of these odd things called 'emotions'. I don't know about you but it had been quite a while since a movie actually made me feel that much emotion.
Often movies these days make you feel either good (happy, satisfied, content) because it was a good movie or bad (sad, angry, disappointed-that-you-forked-over-your-heard-earned-cash-to-completely-waste-2-hours-of-your-life,
'The Amazing Spiderman 2').
So in light of that, I thought I'd share 10 movies that are sure to make you feel something again.
10. Blue Valentine
Derek Cianfrance's intense romance flick, '
Blue Valentine', follows the married couple of Cindy (Michelle Williams) and Dean (
The-Most-Unattractive-Man-In-The-World Ryan Gosling) through their years together. What makes this film unique is the cross-cuts between how they met and how they are now. You get a front seat view into the lives both Cindy and Dean came from and how it carries on into their marriage lives. Doesn't sound like a sad movie but let me tell you, it is. I can't give much more away without spoiling things but if you want an emotional ride with a twist, this movie is for you.
WARNING: Rated NC-17 for
language and
nudity scenes
9. Forrest Gump
What a classic. Robert Zemickis'
'Forrest Gump' does so many things right.
In fact, it does so many things right that it's hard to fit this film into just one category. Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) isn't a smart guy. What makes him special though is what he had made of his life. From meeting the President of the United States to finding the love of his life, Jenny Curan (Robin Wright), Forrest had done it all. It wasn't by any means easy though. Your heart will do everything from dancing with joy to breaking with pain as you travel with Forrest through the events of his life, all told from a park bench.
8. Hotel Rwanda
Man, what a story. Terry George's
'Hotel Rwanda' tells the true story of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle) and the housing of Tutsi refugees during the struggle with the Hutu Militia. The events of this time is nothing short of a worldwide tragedy. If Don Cheadle's stellar performance doesn't hit that spot, seeing the oppression of the Tutsi refugees will. This film does not shy away from making you feel the intensity and the struggle of everything that goes on in this movie. If it's one movie on this list you watch. Make sure it's this one.
7.The Passion of the Christ
Mel Gibson's 'The
Passion of the Christ' is in no way your run-of-the-mill crucifixion story. This film focuses on the
intense and brutal last hours and crucifixion of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. I emphasize intense because that's exactly what this movie is.
Intense. Usually, films that focus on the death (and resurrection) of Jesus Christ try to mask the brutality of some of the events in an attempt to keep it on the level of a family-friendly film.
'The Passion of the Christ' isn't that movie. This is a beautiful and detailed reenactment of what Jesus Christ went through before He was nailed to the cross and crucified. I can guarantee this will hit you right in the soft spot. Multiple times. Excuse me as I get some tissue...there's something in my eye...
WARNING: Rated R for
graphic brutality scenes
6. Toy Story 3
If you haven't watched Toy Story, go watch Toy Story. You have a childhood to catch up on. For the rest of us who grew up with the
Toy Story series, we are all familiar with the heart-wrenching third installment. This film follows the infamous group of Andy's toys as they are accidentally delivered to a day-care right before Andy leaves for college (sniff). Following this, Woody (Tom Hanks) has to convince his fellow toys that Andy didn't abandon them but it was all a misunderstanding.
What I personally loved about Lee Unkrick's
'Toy Story 3' was that it brought back the idea of a trilogy; the third movie is where your memories of the franchise will either flourish into awesomeness or spiral into something threatening to destroy your happy childhood memories. This film is where your
Toy Story memories go to die...in a good way. The ending is nothing short of cry-worthy and will remind you the joy of never wanting to grow up.
5. Frozen
Yes, I want to build a snowman!
Hands down. One of my favorite animated movies of all time. If I went through every reason why
'Frozen' is one of the most amazing movies of all time then I'd be typing for quite a long time. Some of you may be wondering why this movie is on the list though. Without going into spoilers, this film is an endless emotional roller-coaster that you'll wish went on forever. Every character, from the adorable yet hilarious Olaf (Josh Gad) to the clumsy and quirky Anna (Kristen Bell), are all such masterfully crafted characters. On this journey you'll be laughing, crying, and wishing you
could kill Hans have a little snow cloud of your own. Probably one of the best cinematic adventures you can go on.
4. Warrior
I think Gavin O'Connor's '
Warrior' is one of the most underrated Tom Hardy movies. The film follows Brendan Conlon's (Joel Edgerton) preparation for a mixed martial arts tournament after returning home. This ends up putting Brendan in the path of his older brother Tommy (Tom Hardy) which rekindles the struggles of the broken family they came from. Needless to say, this plot deals with some tough issues: broken families, alcoholic dads, sibling hate, the list goes on. This film will tug at those heartstrings of yours and maybe even draw a sniffle or two. Not for the faint of heart.
3. 50/50
Source: Image found on widenmedia
A list of emotional movies wouldn't be complete without it, so I present to you Jonathon Levine's '50/50'. This comedy drama focuses on a guy just shy of 30, Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who learns that he has cancer. In light of this, he takes off on an adventure to beat it with the help of his best friend Kyle (Seth Rogen). JGL and Seth Rogen make a hilarious, yet, perfect pairing in this film. There's cancer, so there's tear jerker moments. That's just the way it is. What makes these moments golden is the amazing heartfelt story. It's something you would truly need to experience for yourself. Just have your napkins ready for the car scene.
WARNING: Rated R for
language throughout and some sexual content.
2. To Kill A Mockingbird
Source: Image found on umbc.edu
Oldie but goodie. Robert Mulligan's book movie adaptation
'To Kill A Mockingbird' is a phenomenal story about lawyer Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) who defends a black man against a rape charge in the South, all while trying to protect his kids from prejudice as well. Quite the change from what we usually see in films that focus on the issue of prejudice and racism. Everything in this film is well crafted, especially the actual trial itself. I remember reading the book for school and I found myself hurling the book across the room multiple times because there were things that just
got to me, and believe me, I don't do that to many books.
1. How To Train Your Dragon 2
Source: Image found on screenrant.com
Recently, I wrote an article on
'How To Train Your Dragon 2' putting 'Frozen' to shame and I touched upon some of the things that made this movie so great. Not only did it look
gorgeous but it sure pulled on some heartstrings. I think this is one of the only animated movies I've seen that dealt with the main characters in such a dark, hopeless and bleak place. I can't say much more without spoiling it but rest assured that you'll know what I mean when you see it.
This list is by no means exhaustive but if you're looking for some movies to kickstart those emotions of yours, I think these are some good movies to get you started. Have at it and be prepared to deal with those emotions of yours!
Reviewed by Craig
on
8:06 PM
Rating:
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