It’s time to get vulnerable.
I don’t cry in movies. In fact, the last time I cried while watching a movie occurred while watching Beauty and the Beast in theatres in 1991 (I was 5). It’s not that I am completely heartless, (I’ve cried in real life since then) I just don’t cry in movies. Probably because of a tear duct malfunction. Or I’m just insecure and won’t admit to crying. Whatever.
There are several movies, however, that have brought me to the verge of bursting into tears. My eyes even got watery! Each of these scenes are extremely well done. Everything (acting, music, script, etc) works together in such an incredible way.
This is an important aspect of art. When done well, it tugs at our emotions and calls us to action, to change the broken things of the world. For this reason, we believe it is essential that Christians have an influential role in art, because God can move in the hearts of an entire generation through your creative work.
5) Mufasa’s Death
Simba’s sense of loss is what really does me in. Even though it is a cartoon about lions, it reminds us that no kid should live without his father. The Lion King is perhaps the best animated film ever, and this scene is one of the reasons why:
4) Labour of Love
Sacrifice seems to be a recurring thing that always gets to me. When I initially watched Star Trek in 2009, the first five minutes were a complete blow to the stomach. There is such a complex mixture of raw emotion, action, sorrow, and hope. I watched a father die to protect his wife and newborn son, and couldn’t wait to see how his sacrifice would redeem countless lives throughout the film. It’s intense:
3) The Impossible Reuniting Scene
This is the most recent addition to my list. The Impossible showcases a family separated by the massive 2004 tsunami in Thailand. After 2 days of searching amongst thousands of people, they finally find each other. It was awesome. Since it is still in theaters, you’ll have to settle for the movie trailer (which might also make you cry)
2) You Bow to No One
Obviously Lord of the Rings would make this list. I’ve watched this scene dozens of times, and every time I think “this is it, I’m going to cry.” And yet somehow, I make it through. The humility of the Hobbits, who literally just saved the entire world, is inspiring. They didn’t set out to be heroes, they didn’t even want to be heroes. They just did what was right, and I hope I can live the same way.
1) Carl and Ellie
How Pixar was able to construct such a powerful love story in so short a time is beyond me. Confession: This scene is one of the reasons we moved to New Zealand. I’d classify this as art that inspired us. But my favorite part? When Carl finds the updated version of “The Adventure Book.” Great inspiration for marriages everywhere:
What’s missing from this list? What scenes (almost) make you cry?
Evan, great choices. I watched the Carl and Ellie and teared up just to get in the zone. If I were to share the (almost) tearing up movies with you, we would have to create another blog, so I am going to give you some that stand out as real tear jerkers, I mean balling my eyes out.
1. My Sister’s Keeper — When I saw this movie I couldn’t imagine which position would be worse in the situation. The parent trying to save one daughter’s life by using the other daughters strength, the well sister who is the go-between or the sick sister. What a nightmare. I cried from start to finish and didn’t get out of bed for like a day — don’t see it.
2. Marley and Me — Loved this movie.I laughed and cried and laughed and then balled. If you have ever cared for a dog, you know that one day you will out live this dog and when that dreadful day comes, years of memories flash before you of so many wonderful memories. It’s one of the hardest goodbyes but filled with such gratitude. ***Definitely a must see at least once in your life – if you don’t cry, you should get those tear ducts checked out because something is wrong.
3. Armageddon — ok so I was in 7th grade or something and just put yourself in Liv Tyler’s place…Watching your lover and father trying to save the world and one of them has to die in front of your eyes. Then, your dad doesn’t even like your lover but lets him live so you can live happily with him. Redemption story at its best.
4. Not a movie but a YouTube clip — Christian the Lion (with Whitney Houston’s I’ll Always Love You) It is the story of a couple who raised a baby cub until he was too big to live on their land. They released him into the wild and visited a few years later. The music, the story, the oh..they just line up perfectly. You must view now. I cry EVERY time.
http://youtu.be/oiGKWoJi5qM
Haha, well I’ll avoid My Sister’s Keeper. I’ve seen the other three scenes, all great choices. Marley and Me definitely pushed me to the brink, and should probably be added to my personal list. Thanks for sharing!
Never Fails
Classic. Nice choice!
Well… I can’t say I disagree on the Lion King scene… but the rest is child’s play. You forget the most gut-wrenching, joy devouring, flood gate openning scene of all cinematic history:
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=i2fkzL8pauM
I almost added that one too…
I have absolutely no idea why that kid had to get rid of the dog. But it does remind me of something so much worse…Old Yeller! Forget throwing a basketball, that kid had to shoot his own dog, who saved his life!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6hB9NTYD0E
I might had be teared up just watching it to get the link…
Hey Evan, it sounds like you’re doing well! I’ll have to check out “The Impossible” since I’m living in Thailand now. I didn’t know they made a movie about the tsunami event.
Dude that is awesome! What brings you to Thailand and what part do you live in? It’s nice to know people I know live in the same hemisphere. It’s a great film, definitely worth checking out.