Movies are meant to reflect the beauty of humanity as well as the tragedy. Despite them being a means to escape real life, we sometimes have to confront the eventual melancholy we go through. These movies feature deep narratives that delve into the depths of the human experience of love, loss, and the strength of our spirit. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, the saddest movies surpass cultural and linguistic barriers.
Here are the saddest movies that brought tears to us
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
Director: Isao Takahata
Considered the greatest war film of all time, Grave of the Fireflies is a story of loss and fraternal love. It follows the siblings – Seita (14) and Setsuko (4) as they fend for themselves after the death of their mother and the negligence of their aunt. Set during World War II in Japan, the times are rough. There’s barely any food to go around, the Imperial cause sentiments are going strong, and to make matters worse for the siblings, their father is enlisted in the Navy. Seita does his best for Setsuko as much as a 14-year-old boy can. However, in a time like theirs, it’s never enough. If you need a good cry, Grave of the Fireflies is the watch for you, and the visuals are gorgeous. The portrayal of the immense grief and suffering is uncanny and devastating.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
Director: Peter Weir
Featuring an ensemble cast, Dead Poets Society is a masterpiece of cinema that gets referenced throughout culture. The film is known for its exploration of individuality, conformity, and the pressures of societal expectations. During the exploration of these themes, The film’s sadness becomes evident through the youthful dreams crushed by rigid structures and the loss of potential. The characters learn the consequences of pursuing one’s passions in a restrictive environment. An Indian audience can surely relate to the movie’s narrative, having witnessed many cases like these in the news. Overall, the film is too real, but that’s the beauty of it.
Watch it now on Disney+ Hotstar!
Of Mice and Men (1992)
Director: Gary Sinise
Based on the novella by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men tells the tale of two friends, George and Lennie, who dream of owning a big farm together one day. Lennie is intellectually challenged, so George has to look out for him often. The duo goes through thick and thin for survival in the Great Depression era in the 1920s USA. Lennie’s disability causes him to misunderstand his own strength, and this strength gets them into trouble. We see this actively happening throughout the story, making us sympathise with both of them. It explores the American Dream and the value of friendship incredibly. The ending is truly devastating, knowing their dream and journey.
You can rent it on Prime Video!
Schindler’s List (1993)
Director: Steven Spielberg
Inspired by the real-life actions of Oskar Schindler, Schindler’s List is a Holocaust film depicting how he used his power in the Nazi party to save the lives of thousand Jewish people’s lives. He employed them at his factories in order to prevent them from being deported and killed in concentration camps. It features an ensemble cast, with Liam Neeson as the titular character. Other actors, such as Ralph Fiennes and Ben Kingsley, nailed their roles too. The emotional impact is enhanced by the gorgeous direction and visuals. The last speech by Schindler is a gut-punching one as he regrets not doing more. Everyone can learn from Schindler’s List.
Watch now on Netflix and Prime Video!
Ikiru (“To Live”, 1952)
Director: Akira Kurosawa
Ikiru is considered to be one of the greatest films of all time. It explores a terminally ill Tokyo bureaucrat’s journey to find the meaning of life, his last attempt to do so. Kanji Watanabe’s family is rather broken, with his son mostly after his inheritance. One of the most memorable scenes is his rendition of his favourite song, “Gondola no Uta.” It brought tears to my eyes upon first hearing it, but for Watanabe, it was an eye-opener of how he wants to spend his remaining time. It is truly one of the best soul-searching yet devastating movies to watch.
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