MovieChat Forums > Billy Elliot (2000) Discussion > Is There a Movie that's a Bigger Tear-Je...

Is There a Movie that's a Bigger Tear-Jerker?

posted 16 years ago by hukdonpopmovs
42 replies | jump to latest

I'm not a big movie crier but there's something about Billy Elliot that gets me every single time. Its not like I shed a little silent tear at the end...oh no. I am a complete mess. The entire second half of the movie I am in literal hysterics. When the dad is on the scab bus and the brother is trying to get the dads attention and then when the brother at the end mouths I'll miss you...I can't see the screen. I am sobbing. I am dehydrated after I watch this movie. I literally make a scene every time I watch the last hour.

I honestly can't think of a movie that I cry more at. I don't think there is more emotionally draining movie out there

[–] Maaaja 15 years ago

joyous tearjerker! because it's so manly raw sensual, a rare example. joy joy joy

[–] MissyH316 13 years ago

I'm more into older movies, but hopefully some others would be open-minded enough to consider these films:

"Broken Blossoms" (1919) starring Lillian Gish and Richard Barthelmess.
"The Kid" (1921) starring Charlie Chaplin and Jackie Coogan.
"City Lights" (1921) starring Charlie Chaplin. Just thinking of the last line in this film still chokes me up.
"The Champ (1931) starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper. Forget the later version with Jon Voight and Ricky Schroeder; this is the must-see version. The casting alone is far more realistic and thus much better suited to set you up for the emotionally powerful ending.

Also, of course:
"Dumbo" (1941)
"Bambi" (1942)

Finally, one of the most famous of all:
"Old Yeller" (1957)

If none of these films brings you to tears, then I say follow the yellow brick road and ask the Wizard for a heart.

"Now, bring me that horizon." --Captain Jack Sparrow

[–] CrestOfLove93 13 years ago

This movie didn't make me cry but I found it touching and it had a message that remained with you long after the film credits roll. I think I've seen it about 30 times and it doesn't get old/boring.

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Life is special.

[–] KinksRock 13 years ago

The part that gets me about this film is how far the father was willing to go for his son (crossing the picket line). If that's a part that gets you, I recommend "The Bicycle Thief", which has a similar theme.

Hey, you dang woodchucks! Stop chucking my wood!

[–] anneamelieaisling 13 years ago

the most touching moment for me was the scene billy was drinking milk with his mom there. other scenes that were touching was the goodbye scene on the bus and when the stage crew told billy his family was here and he smiled.

My advice: Stay honest, stay alert, and for the love of God, stay between the gumdrops.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] anikkane 13 years ago

October Sky. Similar setting, highly recommended.

[–] Nugglebum435 13 years ago

I love this movie mostly because it makes me cry and smile at the same time.

I get a lump in my throat when watching the scene with the letter from Billy's mother but what really starts me off is the scene with Jackie and Tony at the mine, when Jackie crosses the picket line for Billy. When Tony is crying and begging him not to do it, I'm done for. From that point on, I'm holding it back till the very end, seeing his dad crying watching the ballet and then when the beautifully talented Adam Cooper as Billy at 25 finally comes out into that stunning freeze-frame.

And as for not marrying someone who didn't cry at a film, I get that persons story - it's not that she 'didn't cry at a movie', it's that she didn't have any emotional reaction to something that he did and everyone else to boot. Honestly, I really do get it. He found someone who shares his feelings... finding that in another person is like finding a part of your soul.

[–] ultra_mafic 13 years ago

I was really moved by everything but I didn't cry until Billy answered the question of how he feels when he dances. It was simple and perfect.

And then the end of course. I was a mess.

Till the gossamer thread you fling, catch somewhere, O my Soul.

[–] hodie 12 years ago

Hachiko - A Dog's Story. Seriously. Also Lilya 4-Ever.

"Joey, have you ever been in a Turkish prison?"

[–] BethH24 12 years ago

I agree about the films that have been mentioned here ( well, the ones that i have watched ), and i'd also add The full monty ( it's similar to Billy Elliot because it's set in the north of England and even though some scenes are funny, it's a sad story too ), Beaches, Sleepless in seattle, A little princess, The secret garden, Of mice and men, The boy in the striped pajamas, Marley and me, Kes, Carousel, West side story...

I'm sure i have seen more than that. I'll add them if i think of them.

[–] Stormy_77 12 years ago

The English Patient - I spent the last 30 minutes literally bawling my eyes out imagining the poor woman dying alone in the dark while he was still desperately trying to get back to save her.

Hachi (US Version with Richard Gere) - known to reduce even grown men to tears.

Grave of the Fireflies (Animated) - this .. was .. just .. if you didn't cry, you have no heart.

And how can it be nobody has mentioned Les Miserables?

Also agree with Life is Beautiful and the Sea Inside.

[–] TulsaGrammer 12 years ago

I was going to mention Hachi, also.

If we're talking about English coal-mining, I'd put in a plug for "Brassed Off". Although I'm not sure whether it generates tears or anger!

[–] Pooter926 12 years ago

I just watched the last half after channel surfing, even though I've seen it so many times. It pulls you in and I just can't change the channel. I love the scene on the bench in the cemetery when Billy asks dad if he could change his mind and come home, and dad says 'your room will be rented out' or words to the effect. Billy knocks him backward and then Billy falls on him laughing, and they share a beautiful moment. I never tire of watching Billy Elliot.

Another recommendation for tear jerker that I never tire of watching is Fried Green Tomatoes.