11. Amour 2012
IMDB Rating: 7.9，Douban Rating: 8.6，ID: tt1602620
Amour is a French-language romantic drama film that tells the story of Georges and Anne, an elderly couple who are retired music teachers. Their peaceful and loving life is shattered when Anne suffers a stroke that leaves her partially paralyzed and dependent on Georges’ care. As Anne’s condition worsens, Georges struggles to cope with the physical and emotional burden of looking after her, while also dealing with their daughter Eva, who lives abroad and has her own problems. The film explores the themes of love, aging, death, and dignity in a realistic and heartbreaking way.
The film received critical acclaim and won many awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the BAFTA for Best Leading Actress for Emmanuelle Riva, who became the oldest person to win a BAFTA at 85. The film was praised for its performances, direction, screenplay, and cinematography, as well as for its honest and unflinching portrayal of a difficult subject matter. The film was also named one of the best films of the 21st century by several critics and publications.
Amour is not a typical sad movie that manipulates the viewers’ emotions with melodramatic scenes or sentimental music. Rather, it is a sad movie that shows the harsh reality of life and death, and the power of love to endure and transcend them. The film does not offer any easy answers or solutions, but instead invites the viewers to reflect on their own relationships and values. Amour is a film that will make you feel emotional, but also make you think and appreciate what you have.
12. The Elephant Man 1980
IMDB Rating: 8.1，Douban Rating: 8.2，ID: tt0080678
The Elephant Man is a biographical drama film that tells the story of John Merrick, a man who suffers from severe deformities and is treated as a freak in Victorian London. He is rescued by Dr. Frederick Treves, a surgeon who sees beyond his appearance and recognizes his intelligence and humanity. Merrick becomes a celebrity among the high society, but also faces the cruelty and prejudice of the world.
The film is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, who lived from 1862 to 1890. The film uses the name John Merrick, which was a mistake made by Treves in his memoirs. The film is directed by David Lynch, who is known for his surreal and disturbing style, but this film is more realistic and conventional. The film stars John Hurt as Merrick, who underwent hours of makeup to transform into the character. Anthony Hopkins plays Treves, who develops a friendship and compassion for Merrick. Anne Bancroft, John Gielgud, and Wendy Hiller are among the supporting cast.
The film explores themes of identity, dignity, beauty, and society. It shows how Merrick is exploited and abused by his owner Bytes, who sees him as a profitable attraction. It also shows how Treves initially treats him as a medical curiosity, but later realizes that he is a person with feelings and thoughts. The film portrays Merrick as a gentle and kind soul, who loves literature, art, and music. He also has a strong faith in God and hopes for a better life. The film contrasts his inner beauty with his outer ugliness, and questions the standards of normality and deformity.
The film is widely acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. It received eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won three BAFTA Awards, including Best Film and Best Actor. The film is considered one of Lynch’s best works and one of the saddest movies ever made. It is a powerful and moving portrait of a man who endured unimaginable suffering and discrimination, but also found love and respect in his life.
13. Requiem for a Dream 2000
IMDB Rating: 8.3，Douban Rating: 8.7，ID: tt0180093
Requiem for a Dream is a 2000 American psychological drama film directed by Darren Aronofsky and based on the novel of the same name by Hubert Selby Jr. It tells the story of four characters who are addicted to different drugs and how their lives spiral out of control as they pursue their dreams. The film is widely regarded as one of the saddest and most disturbing movies ever made, as it depicts the harsh realities and consequences of drug abuse, addiction, and withdrawal.
The film follows Sara Goldfarb, a lonely widow who becomes obsessed with appearing on a TV game show after receiving a prank call. She starts taking amphetamines to lose weight and fit into her red dress, but soon develops a dependency on the pills and suffers from hallucinations and paranoia. Her son Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and his friend Tyrone are heroin addicts who deal drugs to fund their habits and aspirations. Harry and Marion dream of opening a clothing store for Marion’s designs, while Tyrone wants to escape the ghetto and make his mother proud. However, their plans are thwarted by drug shortages, police raids, gang violence, and betrayal. As their situations worsen, they resort to desperate measures to obtain more drugs, such as prostitution, robbery, and self-mutilation.
The film is divided into three seasons: summer, fall, and winter. Each season corresponds to the stages of drug addiction: experimentation, regular use, and addiction. The film uses various cinematic techniques to convey the characters’ mental states, such as split screens, rapid editing, extreme close-ups, distorted sounds, and color filters. The film also features an original score by Clint Mansell that consists of variations on the theme song “Lux Aeterna”, which has become synonymous with the film and has been used in other media.
Requiem for a Dream is a powerful and tragic film that explores the themes of addiction, loneliness, delusion, desperation, and hopelessness. It shows how drugs can destroy not only the body but also the mind and the soul of a person. It also shows how drugs can affect not only the individual but also the people around them. The film does not offer any easy solutions or happy endings for its characters, but rather leaves the audience with a sense of horror and sadness.
14. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 9.1，ID: tt0914798
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas is a 2008 film based on a novel by John Boyne. It tells the story of Bruno, a young German boy who lives near a Nazi concentration camp during World War II, and his friendship with Shmuel, a Jewish boy who is imprisoned there. The film explores the themes of innocence, ignorance, and humanity in the face of horror and tragedy.
The film is widely regarded as one of the saddest movies ever made, as it depicts the brutal reality of the Holocaust and its impact on both the victims and the perpetrators. The film does not shy away from showing the cruelty and violence of the Nazi regime, as well as the suffering and death of the innocent prisoners. The film also shows how Bruno’s family is torn apart by their involvement in the genocide, and how Bruno’s father, an SS officer, becomes increasingly conflicted and remorseful.
The film’s ending is especially heartbreaking, as Bruno and Shmuel are accidentally killed in a gas chamber while trying to find Shmuel’s missing father. The film ends with a shot of their discarded clothes and shoes, symbolizing their loss of identity and dignity. The film leaves the audience with a sense of grief, anger, and hopelessness, as well as a reminder of the importance of compassion and empathy.
15. The Pianist 2002
IMDB Rating: 8.5，Douban Rating: 9.2，ID: tt0253474
The Pianist is a harrowing and heartbreaking account of the Holocaust, seen through the eyes of a Jewish pianist who struggles to survive in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. Based on the memoir of Władysław Szpilman, the film depicts his ordeal of hiding, starving, witnessing atrocities, and losing his family and friends, while clinging to his music as a source of hope and dignity. The film is directed by Roman Polanski, himself a survivor of the Kraków Ghetto, and features an Oscar-winning performance by Adrien Brody as Szpilman. The Pianist is not only a sad movie, but also a powerful and profound one, that shows the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of art in the face of unimaginable horror.
The Pianist is related to the topic of the saddest movies ever made, because it portrays one of the most tragic and devastating events in history, and how it affected millions of innocent lives. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and cruelty of the Nazis, nor the suffering and despair of the Jews. The film also explores the themes of survival, guilt, loss, and redemption, as Szpilman faces moral dilemmas and existential questions. The film is widely regarded as one of the best and most realistic depictions of the Holocaust, as well as one of the most emotionally impactful films ever made.
The Pianist made me cry several times, especially during the scenes where Szpilman witnesses his family being deported to Treblinka, where he plays Chopin’s Nocturne in C-sharp minor for a German officer who spares his life, and where he reunites with his friend who tells him that he is the only survivor of his family. The film also made me feel angry, disgusted, shocked, and horrified by the atrocities committed by the Nazis, and by the indifference and complicity of some of the Polish people. The film also made me feel admiration, respect, and sympathy for Szpilman, who endured so much pain and hardship, but never gave up on his music or his humanity.
The Pianist is a masterpiece of cinema that deserves to be seen by everyone who cares about history, art, and human rights. The film is a testament to the courage and talent of Szpilman, Polanski, Brody, and everyone involved in its making. The film is also a reminder of the horrors of war and genocide, and the need to prevent them from happening again. The film is a sad movie that will make you cry, but also a moving movie that will make you think and feel.
16. La vita è bella 1997
IMDB Rating: 8.6，Douban Rating: 9.5，ID: tt0118799
La vita è bella (Life Is Beautiful) is a 1997 Italian comedy-drama film directed by and starring Roberto Benigni, who co-wrote the film with Vincenzo Cerami. The film tells the story of Guido, a Jewish-Italian bookshop owner, who uses his imagination and humor to protect his son from the horrors of a Nazi concentration camp. The film is a mix of tragedy and comedy, as it depicts the cruelty of the Holocaust and the power of love and hope.
The film is widely considered one of the saddest movies ever made, as it shows the contrast between the innocence of a child and the brutality of war. The film also explores the themes of sacrifice, resilience, and survival. The film has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including three Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film, Best Actor for Benigni, and Best Original Score for Nicola Piovani. The film is also one of the highest-grossing non-English language films of all time.
My review: La vita è bella is a masterpiece of cinema that moved me to tears. The film is a remarkable achievement of storytelling, as it balances humor and horror in a way that is both realistic and poetic. Benigni gives a brilliant performance as Guido, a man who never loses his optimism and creativity in the face of evil. He creates a fantasy world for his son, Giosuè, to shield him from the reality of their situation. He makes him believe that they are playing a game, where they have to follow the rules and collect points to win a tank. He also convinces him that the camp is full of friendly people who are just pretending to be mean.
The film is not only a tribute to Guido’s courage and love, but also to Giosuè’s innocence and trust. The child actor Giorgio Cantarini is adorable and convincing as Giosuè, who follows his father’s instructions without question. He also adds some comic relief to the film, as he reacts to the absurd situations with curiosity and wonder. The film also has a strong supporting cast, especially Nicoletta Braschi as Dora, Guido’s wife, who voluntarily joins her family in the camp.
The film is not only a tearjerker, but also a thought-provoker. It makes us reflect on the value of life, the meaning of happiness, and the importance of imagination. It also shows us the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to overcome any adversity. The film is a beautiful tribute to the victims and survivors of the Holocaust, as well as to all those who fight for freedom and dignity in any circumstance. La vita è bella is a film that I will never forget.
17. Titanic 1997
IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 9.4，ID: tt0120338
Titanic is one of the most famous and saddest movies ever made, depicting the doomed romance of Jack and Rose, two passengers from different social classes on board the R.M.S. Titanic. The movie combines historical accuracy, stunning visuals, and emotional performances to create a powerful and unforgettable cinematic experience. The movie explores themes such as classism, survival, sacrifice, and love, as well as the human cost of the tragic disaster that claimed more than 1,500 lives. Titanic is a masterpiece of filmmaking that will make you cry for days.
18. The Notebook 2004
IMDB Rating: 7.8，Douban Rating: 8.5，ID: tt0332280
Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romantic drama tells the story of Noah and Allie, two young lovers who are separated by their social differences and the outbreak of World War II. Years later, they reunite, but Allie is engaged to another man. Noah tries to win her back, while reading their love story from an old notebook to an elderly woman in a nursing home.
I was curious to see how this movie relates to the theme of my blog, which is the saddest movies ever made. I did some research and found out that The Notebook is often cited as a tearjerker because of its tragic ending, its portrayal of Alzheimer’s disease, and its emotional impact on the viewers. Some articles also discussed how the movie explores themes such as love, memory, sacrifice, and fate.
After watching the movie, I have to admit that I was deeply moved by it. The performances of Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as the young Noah and Allie were captivating and convincing. They had great chemistry and made me root for their relationship. The scenes of them falling in love in the 1940s were beautiful and nostalgic. The contrast between their passionate romance and their painful separation was heartbreaking.
The scenes of the elderly Noah and Allie, played by James Garner and Gena Rowlands, were also touching and poignant. They showed how Noah remained faithful and devoted to Allie, even when she could not remember him or their past. He read to her from the notebook every day, hoping to spark her memory and make her happy. The ending scene, where they die together in each other’s arms, was both devastating and uplifting.
The Notebook is a movie that will make you cry, but also make you appreciate the power of love. It is a movie that will make you think about your own life, your own memories, and your own choices. It is a movie that will stay with you long after it ends.
19. Marley & Me 2008
IMDB Rating: 7.1，Douban Rating: 7.9，ID: tt0822832
Marley & Me is a comedy-drama film based on the memoir by John Grogan, who chronicled his life with his mischievous Labrador retriever, Marley. The film follows John (Owen Wilson) and Jenny (Jennifer Aniston) Grogan, a young couple who move to Florida and adopt a puppy to test their readiness for parenthood. They soon discover that Marley is not an ordinary dog, but a hyperactive, destructive, and uncontrollable force of nature that turns their lives upside down. Despite his antics, Marley becomes a loyal and lovable member of the family, who teaches them valuable lessons about love, loss, and life.
The film is a heartwarming and humorous portrayal of the bond between humans and dogs, and the joys and challenges of raising a pet. The film also explores the themes of marriage, career, aging, and mortality, as John and Jenny face various ups and downs in their personal and professional lives. The film balances comedy and drama effectively, making the audience laugh and cry with the characters. The film also features a stellar cast, with Wilson and Aniston delivering charming and believable performances as the Grogans, and Marley being played by 22 different dogs who capture his personality and spirit.
Marley & Me is a film that will appeal to anyone who has ever loved a dog, or who appreciates a good story about family and friendship. The film is not only entertaining, but also insightful and touching, as it shows how a dog can change one’s life for the better. The film is not without flaws, as some scenes may feel clichéd or melodramatic, and some viewers may find Marley’s behavior too frustrating or unrealistic. However, these are minor issues that do not detract from the overall quality and message of the film. Marley & Me is a film that celebrates the joy of living with a dog, even if he is the worst dog in the world.
20. The Fault in Our Stars 2014
IMDB Rating: 7.7，Douban Rating: 7.9，ID: tt2582846
The movie tells the story of Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. Hazel has thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs, and Gus has lost a leg to bone cancer. They bond over their shared love of a book called An Imperial Affliction, written by a mysterious author named Peter Van Houten, who lives in Amsterdam. They decide to use Gus’s wish from a foundation that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses to travel to Amsterdam and meet Van Houten. However, their trip is not what they expected, and they face some harsh realities about their condition and their future.
The movie is a tearjerker that explores the themes of love, death, fate, and meaning. It shows how Hazel and Gus cope with their illness and their feelings for each other, as well as how they affect their families and friends. The movie also raises some philosophical questions about the purpose of life, the value of suffering, and the legacy of art. The movie is well-acted by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, who have great chemistry and deliver emotional performances. The movie also features Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, Nat Wolff, and Willem Dafoe in supporting roles.
I liked the movie because it was honest and realistic about the challenges of living with cancer, but also hopeful and romantic about the power of love. I think the movie captured the essence of the book, but also added some scenes that enhanced the story. For example, I liked the scene where Hazel and Gus visit the Anne Frank House and kiss in front of a crowd of tourists who applaud them. I also liked the scene where Hazel reads Gus’s eulogy for her at his pre-funeral. I think the movie did a good job of balancing humor and tragedy, and making me laugh and cry.
I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes romantic dramas that deal with serious issues. I think this movie is suitable for teenagers and adults who can handle some mature content and language. I think this movie is a beautiful adaptation of a touching book, and a memorable experience that will stay with you long after it ends.
