One such movie that has had a lasting impact on viewers is The Fault in Our Stars. Based on the bestselling novel by John Green, the film tells the story of two teenage cancer patients, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, who fall in love despite the odds. From the outset, we know that their time together is limited, that their happiness is fleeting. As viewers, we can’t help but invest in their relationship and feel devastated when tragedy strikes.
But what is it about The Fault in Our Stars that resonates with so many people? For one, it’s a movie that doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of illness; we see the toll it takes on the body, the toll it takes on relationships. But more than that, it’s a movie that speaks to the universal themes of love and loss, of grappling with the knowledge that our time on earth is limited. By confronting these difficult subjects head-on, The Fault in Our Stars allows us to connect with our own vulnerabilities and empathize with those who are struggling.
Another movie that has left audiences reeling is Manchester by the Sea. Directed by Kenneth Lonergan, the film tells the story of Lee Chandler, a Boston janitor who becomes the legal guardian of his nephew after his brother dies unexpectedly. But Lee is haunted by a tragic event from his past, a secret that threatens to tear apart the fragile new life he’s begun to build.
What sets Manchester by the Sea apart from other films about grief is its unflinching realism. We see how Lee’s unresolved trauma colors every interaction he has with those around him, how he numbs himself to the pain with alcohol and isolation. But we also see the moments of grace, the small moments of connection that allow him to begin to heal. In this way, Manchester by the Sea serves as a reminder that while grief may be agonizing, it’s a necessary process for moving forward.
Of course, not every sad movie has to be intense and emotionally draining. Sometimes, a movie that touches on the bittersweet aspects of life can be just as powerful. One such film is Lost in Translation, Sofia Coppola’s understated portrait of two strangers who form a bond in the vibrant, overwhelming city of Tokyo. On the surface, the movie is quiet and unassuming, but it’s in these moments of stillness that we see the characters’ loneliness, their longing for human connection. As viewers, we feel compelled to root for them, to hope that they’ll find some solace, even if it’s fleeting.
Ultimately, what makes a sad movie effective is its ability to tap into our deepest fears and insecurities. By breaking down the walls we’ve built up to protect ourselves, these films allow us to connect with our own humanity and develop greater empathy for others. So the next time you find yourself reaching for a happy-go-lucky rom-com, consider giving a sad movie a chance. You just might be surprised by how much it moves you.