1. Schindler’s List 1993
IMDB Rating: 8.9，Douban Rating: 9.5，ID: tt0108052
Schindler’s List is a powerful and moving film that depicts the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist who saved more than a thousand Jews from the Holocaust by employing them in his factories during World War II. The film, directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Steven Zaillian, is based on the novel Schindler’s Ark by Thomas Keneally, which was inspired by the testimonies of the survivors known as Schindlerjuden (Schindler Jews).
The film follows Schindler’s journey from a greedy and opportunistic businessman who exploits cheap Jewish labor to a compassionate and courageous humanitarian who risks his life and fortune to protect his workers from the Nazi atrocities. The film portrays the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of Schindler and his Jewish accountant Itzhak Stern, who helps him compile the list of workers he wants to save. The film also depicts the brutality and sadism of Amon Göth, the SS officer in charge of the Plaszow concentration camp, who is Schindler’s main antagonist.
The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, and one of Spielberg’s masterpieces. It won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. The film also received universal acclaim from critics and audiences for its cinematography, music, acting, and direction. The film is notable for its use of black and white photography, with occasional splashes of color, to create a sense of realism and contrast. The film also features a haunting violin theme by John Williams, performed by Itzhak Perlman.
Schindler’s List is a film that educates and inspires viewers about the history and the humanity of the Holocaust. It is a film that honors the memory and the courage of Schindler and his Jews, who survived against all odds. It is a film that challenges us to never forget the evil that humans are capable of, and to never lose hope in the good that humans can do.
2. 火垂るの墓 1988
IMDB Rating: 8.5，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0095327
Based on a semi-autobiographical short story by Akiyuki Nosaka, this film tells the tragic story of two siblings, Seita and Setsuko, who lose their home and their parents during the bombing of Kobe in World War II. Alone and hungry, they try to survive in a hostile and indifferent world, finding refuge in an abandoned bomb shelter and comfort in each other’s company.
The film does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of war and its impact on innocent lives, as well as the social and moral decay of a nation on the verge of defeat. The film also shows the resilience and love of the children, who create moments of beauty and joy amid the darkness and despair. The film is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a devastating critique of war and its consequences. It is a film that will make you cry, but also make you appreciate life and its precious gifts.
3. Make Way for Tomorrow 1937
IMDB Rating: 8.2，Douban Rating: 8.3，ID: tt0029192
Make Way for Tomorrow is a 1937 drama film directed by Leo McCarey that tells the story of an elderly couple who lose their home and have to live separately with their ungrateful children. The film is widely regarded as one of the saddest movies ever made, as it depicts the harsh realities of aging, poverty, and family neglect in Depression-era America.
The film relates to the theme of the saddest movies ever made, because it shows how the couple’s love and dignity are eroded by their circumstances and their children’s indifference. The film does not offer any hope or consolation for the couple, who are forced to part ways in the end, without knowing if they will ever see each other again. The film also exposes the social and economic problems of the time, such as the lack of social security, health care, and affordable housing for the elderly.
Make Way for Tomorrow is a film that deserves to be seen and remembered, not only for its artistic merits, but also for its social relevance. It is a film that challenges us to think about how we treat our elders, how we value our relationships, and how we cope with loss and change. It is a film that reminds us of the power and beauty of love, even in the face of adversity. It is a film that makes us cry, but also makes us think.
4. Million Dollar Baby 2004
IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0405159
– A heart-wrenching tale of an unlikely friendship between a grumpy old trainer and a determined female boxer, who face triumph and tragedy in their pursuit of glory.
– An inspiring and devastating story of a woman who defies the odds and the stereotypes to become a champion boxer, with the help of a reluctant mentor who becomes her closest ally.
– A powerful and emotional drama of a female fighter who rises from obscurity to fame, and a veteran coach who finds redemption and purpose in training her, until a tragic twist changes their lives forever.
5. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale 2009
IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 9.4，ID: tt1028532
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is a 2009 American drama film based on the true story of Hachikō, a loyal Akita dog who waited for his owner at the train station every day, even after his owner’s death. The film is a remake of the 1987 Japanese film Hachikō Monogatari, but it changes the setting from 1920s Japan to modern-day America. The film stars Richard Gere as Parker Wilson, a music professor who finds Hachi as a puppy at the station and takes him home. Joan Allen plays Cate Wilson, Parker’s wife, who is initially reluctant to keep Hachi but eventually grows fond of him. The film also features Sarah Roemer, Jason Alexander, and Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa in supporting roles.
The film explores the themes of loyalty, friendship, and loss, as Hachi forms a strong bond with Parker and accompanies him to the station every morning and evening. Hachi becomes a familiar sight at the station and is befriended by many people there. One day, Parker suffers a fatal heart attack while teaching at the college and never returns to the station. Hachi, unaware of his death, continues to wait for him every day for the next nine years, until his own death. The film shows how Hachi’s devotion touches the lives of those around him, especially Parker’s family and friends.
The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances of Gere and the dog actors, but criticized the sentimental and melodramatic tone. The film was a box office success in several countries, especially Japan, where it was widely acclaimed and became one of the highest-grossing films of 2009. The film also won several awards, including the Truly Moving Picture Award from Heartland Film Festival and the Genesis Award for Feature Film from The Humane Society of the United States.
6. The Green Mile 1999
IMDB Rating: 8.6，Douban Rating: 8.9，ID: tt0120689
The Green Mile is a 1999 film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name, directed by Frank Darabont and starring Tom Hanks and Michael Clarke Duncan. The film tells the story of Paul Edgecomb, a death row prison guard during the Great Depression, who encounters John Coffey, a gentle giant with a mysterious power to heal people’s ailments. As Paul witnesses John’s miracles and learns more about his past, he begins to question his fate and the justice system that condemned him.
The film explores themes such as racism, capital punishment, friendship, faith, and redemption. It is also a tearjerker that depicts the emotional impact of death row on both the inmates and the guards. The film received critical acclaim for its direction, writing, performances, and emotional weight. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor for Duncan.
The Green Mile is one of the saddest movies ever made because it shows the tragedy of an innocent man who suffers injustice and cruelty at the hands of a corrupt system. It also shows the bond that develops between Paul and John, who share a profound respect and compassion for each other. The film makes the audience empathize with the characters and their dilemmas, and feel their pain and sorrow as they face their inevitable fate. The film also raises questions about the meaning of life, death, and miracles, and challenges the viewers to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
7. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest 1975
IMDB Rating: 8.7，Douban Rating: 9.1，ID: tt0073486
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a psychological drama film based on the novel by Ken Kesey. It tells the story of Randle McMurphy, a rebellious criminal who fakes insanity to avoid prison and is sent to a mental institution. There, he clashes with the authoritarian Nurse Ratched, who rules the ward with an iron fist. McMurphy tries to inspire the other patients to stand up for themselves and challenge the oppressive system, but he also faces the consequences of his actions.
The film explores themes such as individualism, freedom, sanity, power, and rebellion. It also depicts the harsh realities of mental health care in the 1960s, such as electroconvulsive therapy, lobotomy, and institutionalization. The film is widely regarded as one of the greatest films of all time, and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Jack Nicholson, and Best Actress for Louise Fletcher.
I watched this film as part of my blog series on the saddest movies ever made. I was deeply moved by the performances, the direction, and the screenplay. The film portrays the human condition in a raw and realistic way, showing both the humor and the tragedy of life. The film made me cry several times, especially at the end, when McMurphy is lobotomized and Chief Bromden suffocates him with a pillow to end his misery. The film also made me think about how society treats people who are different or who do not conform to its norms. I think this film is a masterpiece that deserves to be seen by everyone.
8. رنگ خدا 1999
IMDB Rating: 8.2，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0191043
The Color of Paradise (Persian: رنگ خدا, Rang-e Khodā, literally The Color of God) is a 1999 Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi. It tells the story of a blind boy named Mohammad who lives with his father, sisters and grandmother in a rural village. Mohammad loves nature and has a special connection with it, but his father is ashamed of his blindness and wants to get rid of him. The film explores the themes of love, faith, disability, family and sacrifice.
The film is a masterpiece of Iranian cinema that showcases the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscapes and culture. The film also portrays the struggles and challenges of living with a disability in a society that does not value or respect it. The film is full of emotions and messages that touch the heart and soul of the viewers.
The film is a sad but inspiring story that teaches us to appreciate the gifts of life and to see beyond the superficial appearances. The film also reminds us that God is present in everything and everyone, and that we can find him through our senses and feelings. The film is a powerful and poetic expression of human dignity and spirituality.
9. American Beauty 1999
IMDB Rating: 8.3，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt0169547
American Beauty is a dark comedy-drama that explores the themes of disillusionment, repression, and liberation in suburban America. The film follows the lives of Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man who is unhappy with his marriage and career, and his family and neighbors, who are all struggling with their own issues and secrets. The film is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential movies of the 1990s, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Kevin Spacey.
The film is also one of the saddest movies ever made, as it depicts the tragic consequences of the characters’ choices and actions. The film shows how the pursuit of happiness can lead to self-destruction, betrayal, violence, and death. The film also exposes the hypocrisy and emptiness of the American dream, as well as the social and moral decay of modern society. The film is full of irony and symbolism, such as the recurring motif of roses, which represent beauty, desire, and death. The film also features a haunting score by Thomas Newman and a memorable narration by Spacey’s character, who speaks from beyond the grave.
I watched this film as part of my blog series on the saddest movies ever made, and I was deeply moved by its powerful and poignant story. The film made me reflect on my own life and values, and how I can avoid falling into the same traps as the characters. The film also made me appreciate the beauty and meaning that can be found in the simplest things, such as a plastic bag floating in the wind. The film is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves to be seen by everyone who loves movies.
10. American History X 1998
IMDB Rating: 8.5，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt0120586
American History X is a harrowing and heartbreaking film that exposes the horrors of racism and hatred. It tells the story of Derek and Danny Vinyard, two brothers who are drawn into the white supremacist movement in Los Angeles. Derek, the older brother, becomes a leader of a violent neo-Nazi gang that commits hate crimes against minorities. He is arrested and sentenced to three years in prison after killing two black men who tried to steal his car.
In prison, he is confronted with the reality of his beliefs and befriends a black inmate who helps him change his perspective. He also learns that his former mentor, Cameron, has been manipulating him and exploiting his anger. Upon his release, Derek tries to save his younger brother, Danny, who has followed his footsteps and joined the same gang. He faces resistance from his former friends, who see him as a traitor and a coward. He also tries to reconnect with his family, who have suffered from his actions and attitudes. Danny, meanwhile, has been assigned by his principal, Dr. Sweeney, to write a paper on his brother’s life as part of a history project.
Danny admires Derek and wants to emulate him, but he also begins to question his own views and choices. He writes an honest and reflective essay, titled American History X, in which he denounces the neo-Nazi ideology and expresses his hope for a better future. However, tragedy strikes when Danny is shot and killed by a black student at school, who had a previous confrontation with him. Derek arrives too late to save him and cradles his body in grief. The film ends with a quote from Abraham Lincoln: “We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.”
