# The manly weepers - What films are OK for men to cry while watching? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 17, 2006, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484 "2006-12-17T06:50:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![F.U.Shakespeare](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@F.U.Shakespeare](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/F.U.Shakespeare)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/81 "2006-12-19T14:11:08Z")
[QUOTE=Edward The Head] I don’t think I could ever watch Life is Beautiful again. Damnit now I’m thinking about it, I’ve got to stop. [/QUOTE] The thing I found amazing about that film was how light-hearted (even lightweight) it was for the first hour and a half. But then in the space of about 20 minutes, it got _very_ dark, and almost as suddenly, incredibly joyous. You hear the tank ominously rumble around the corner, but then it comes into view, and you see the American star on it, and then the GI pops out, talking to the boy in that friendly drawl. I couldn’t believe how fast I went from barely paying attention to tears. ---
**Author:** ![Sean\_Factotum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sean\_Factotum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sean_Factotum)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/82 "2006-12-19T14:40:02Z")
There’s only one specific one for me - _Brian’s Song_. And in general, any movie where someone comes out and kicks me in the nuts. It happens more than you think it would. ---
**Author:** ![Stonebow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/83 "2006-12-19T14:55:57Z")
I will confess to tearing up just reading and remembering the Transformers Movie from the synopsis in this thread. _sniff_ Of course, LotR has several moments, though for me, it’s going to be ‘I will take the ring, though I do not know the way.’ The look on Gandalf’s face as he’s the only one to hear it at first, the mixed relief and understanding that he’s condemned Frodo to death…it’s too much. ## And of course, Terminator 2 (I’ll quote the scene that did actually have me openly shedding tears): ## Watching John with the machine, it was suddenly so clear. The terminator wouldn’t stop, it would never leave him. It would never hurt him or shout at him or get drunk and hit him or say it was too busy to spend time with him. And it would die to protect him. Of all the would-be fathers that came over the years, this thing, this machine, was the only thing that measured up. In an insane world, it was the sanest choice. _sniffle_ I’ll also nominate: The Professional Shawshank Redemption Casablanca The Seven Samurai High Noon And I’ll say that I can’t think of an ending that will get me to cry. ---
**Author:** ![corkboard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e9bcb4/32.png) [@corkboard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/corkboard)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/84 "2006-12-19T15:55:13Z")
[QUOTE=Drum God] That’s when I knew that Hanks was going to win the Oscar. It wasn’t the words he said. The whole story as he heard what Jenny said, realized what she meant, understood what it meant to him, felt the joy and pride immediately followed by worry. Then he says “Is he smart…” He took us through all those emotions just through his eyes. [/QUOTE] Yes. Yes. Dear God, Yes. Also: _Kramer vs. Kramer_ _My Life_ (sappy as hell and overall not a great movie, but I was crying at the end) _Mr. Holland’s Opus_ (I’ve mentioned this several times on this board; at the “Beautiful Boy” concert scene, and the scene at the end when the senator introduces Mr. Holland as conductor. I’m a puddle every time.) _Field of Dreams_- the ‘have a catch’ scene [QUOTE=Drum God] For me, the thing about Finding Nemo was the occassion. The summer that came out, we had just lost our son (stillbirth). About a month later, we decided to go to a movie to get our minds on happier things. Damn. The bit when the dad says “I’ll never let anything happen to you.” just about forced me to leave the theater. Those words just screamed in my ears, and even now, three years later, tears well-up in my eyes. The movie, however, is fantastic. Ellen DeGeneress simply makes the movie. “I wish I could speak whale” floors me every time. Still, it will never be in my DVD collection. It reminds me how I’ll never share a cute Disney movie with my little Hayden. [/QUOTE] This. This made me cry. Damn you, **Drum God**! ---
**Author:** ![brewha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/85 "2006-12-19T16:38:30Z")
[QUOTE=Middlea] I’ve had male friends tell me they cried at “The Green Mile”. [/QUOTE] I’m guilty on that one - as well as a friend of mine. We were sitting there silently watching the movie and I was doing my best to hold back (which wasn’t working). At one point we looked at each other and he said “f\*\*kin p\*ssy” to me. It was great because he had tears streaming down his face as well. I’m glad I’m not the only one to admit “Iron Giant”. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/86 "2006-12-19T16:39:12Z")
Another “man moment” as yet unmentioned in “Forrest Gump” is when Forrest is pulling his fellow soldiers out of the jungle in Vietnam. I dare any man not to get emotional when Forrest pulls away from Lieutenant Dan and screams: “I gotta get Bubba!” And two more scenes in “Saving Private Ryan”. First, the scene with no dialogue when Mrs. Ryan looks out the window and realizes why that black car is coming up her driveway. Then we watch her collapse on her porch. The scene where General Marshall read the letter from Lincoln as justification for the rescue mission also got to me. “Gentlemen, this woman has lost three sons. She will not lose a fourth. We are going to get him the hell out of there.” And I also have to mention “That man’s not a salesman…that’s your daddy” from Armegeddon. I also found the video images during the Presidents speech very powerful…and I’m certain I’m not alone. Also, when Bruce Willis delivers the lines “The United States government just asked us to save the world. Anybody want to say no?” in the conference room is a good look into what appeals to the testosterone addled of the world. There are very few men on the planet that would get up and walk out of the room at that point. I think it speaks to the “inner warrior” that many men have inside…the willingness to die to save others that they love. The best example I can think of to illustrate this is what happened on Flight 93. If I could choose the manner of my death it would be like that…fighting to my last breath against those who would hurt others. ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/87 "2006-12-19T16:58:34Z")
I’m a sucker for inspiring sports movies with big against-the-odds victories at the end. Totally manipulative, and it works on me every time. Remember the Titans Rudy and also… Field of Dreams Casablanca (the Marseillaise scene…when Yvonne cries, I cry) ROTK (the “bow to no one” scene) Last night I watched the Alastair Sim **Christmas Carol** , and choked up (as always) when Scrooge meets nephew Fred’s wife. ---
**Author:** ![Improv\_Geek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b3f665/32.png) [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/88 "2006-12-19T17:02:02Z")
Oh yeah **Remember the Titans** , when they’ve run all morning are exhausted and sweating and they’re on the misty battlefield. Jesus that still gives me chills and chokes me up. I never had to experience racial separation like that, though it of course still exists to some level. I can only imagine. – IG ---
**Author:** ![Rodd\_Hill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ab097/32.png) [@Rodd\_Hill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodd_Hill)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/89 "2006-12-19T17:07:30Z")
_Local Hero_, as it always makes me long to visit Scotland again. The very last scene in _Breaker Morant_, where Edward Woodward and Bryan Brown clasp hands just as the firing squad raises their rifles; The last shot in _O, What A Lovely War_; a little girl asks “Granny, what did Daddy do in the war?” She doesn’t answer, and the camera pans up, and up, and up to reveal that they are in a field with thousands and thousands of white crosses ---
**Author:** ![SkeptiJess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ea666f/32.png) [@SkeptiJess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkeptiJess)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/90 "2006-12-19T17:07:31Z")
[QUOTE=Evil One] I think it speaks to the “inner warrior” that many men have inside…the willingness to die to save others that they love. The best example I can think of to illustrate this is what happened on Flight 93. If I could choose the manner of my death it would be like that…fighting to my last breath against those who would hurt others. [/QUOTE] There, **Evil One** , now you’ve made _me_ tear up. This is one of my favorite things about men. ---
**Author:** ![indierock82](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f14d63/32.png) [@indierock82](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/indierock82)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/91 "2006-12-19T17:26:35Z")
Why is it not Ok for men to cry, except in a certain movie of their choice? What, mostly only women cry in movies? Women are seen as the weaker gender? And why do men act like they shouldn’t be affected by things in the same way women are? No offense (honestly) but isn’t this gender biasing? And, no, this is not coming from a girl, but a guy. I’m proud to say that I’ve recently discovered feminism and have been pondering such questions. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/92 "2006-12-19T17:40:50Z")
[QUOTE=indierock82] Why is it not Ok for men to cry, except in a certain movie of their choice? What, mostly only women cry in movies? Women are seen as the weaker gender? And why do men act like they shouldn’t be affected by things in the same way women are? No offense (honestly) but isn’t this gender biasing? And, no, this is not coming from a girl, but a guy. I’m proud to say that I’ve recently discovered feminism and have been pondering such questions. 🙂 [/QUOTE] Maybe this should have been explained to you earlier in life. Boys and girls are different. They even have different bits. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![cmosdes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/93 "2006-12-19T17:47:04Z")
_Entrapment_ for me. Watching Catherine Zeta Jones slither on the floor like that? Yep… brings a tear to my eye. Personally, I never really “got” _Field of Dreams_. I watched it and shrugged at the end. I think it was probably the fact it was Kevin Costner that kept me from being pulled into the movie. _Brian’s Song_ tops my list of movies that have gotten to me. I think the fact it was a true story that really did it. Well, maybe _Something for Joey_ as well. ---
**Author:** ![Indyellen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/indyellen/32/4176_2.png) [@Indyellen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indyellen)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/94 "2006-12-19T17:53:42Z")
I’m female, but I’m going to out Himself on a few. There are several that have already been mentioned: _Armageddon Mr. Holland’s Opus Shawshank Redemption_ (I think) The one that I’d never seen before, though, that I know means a lot to him is _October Sky_. It’s that whole Father/Son thing - although, to be fair, the first time I saw it, it was evocative enough to cause a father/daughter thing in me. There are probably others, but those are the only ones I can think of offhand. ---
**Author:** ![Improv\_Geek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/b3f665/32.png) [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/95 "2006-12-19T17:59:31Z")
[QUOTE=indierock82] Why is it not Ok for men to cry, except in a certain movie of their choice? What, mostly only women cry in movies? Women are seen as the weaker gender? And why do men act like they shouldn’t be affected by things in the same way women are? No offense (honestly) but isn’t this gender biasing? And, no, this is not coming from a girl, but a guy. I’m proud to say that I’ve recently discovered feminism and have been pondering such questions. 🙂 [/QUOTE] Society has instilled this belief in many people. Guys have to have muscles and women have to know how to cook. And guys aren’t supposed to cry at movies (according to society.) And congratulations on finding feminism. – IG ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/96 "2006-12-19T19:12:35Z")
Some already mentioned, but I’ll mention them again. _Schindler’s List_. I’ve read somewhere someone thought the use of the pink coat was too obvious or something. Well, yea, it was obvious. Spielberg was freaking rubbing our noses in the message, there. That’s what made it great. I knew exactly what he did and why he did it and I cried anyway. _Saving Private Ryan_. Again, I’ve heard people diss the ending as “too trite”. Bah! It’s a great ending. Do any of us measure up to those who have sacrificed their lives for us? Do I? It’s a hard idea to come to grips with. And just this weekend I saw _The Pursuit of Happyness_. But I’ll refrain from saying any more as this is a new release. ---
**Author:** ![Dob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/97 "2006-12-19T19:15:54Z")
Wow, so many on here I have teared up during! Nice to see I am not the only one that suffers from strange allergies at the exact same time others do! ---
**Author:** ![Blaster\_Master](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/cab0a1/32.png) [@Blaster\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blaster_Master)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/98 "2006-12-19T19:41:46Z")
Only a couple of people have I met (oddly enough, both women) said they didn’t cry when Mufasa died in _The Lion King_. ---
**Author:** ![Hogwash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e57/32.png) [@Hogwash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hogwash)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/99 "2006-12-19T20:16:55Z")
What, no _Cuckoo’s Nest_? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484/100 "2006-12-19T20:31:05Z")
[QUOTE=Hogwash] What, no _Cuckoo’s Nest_? [/QUOTE] Oh man! I remember seeing this as a teenager and blubbering like a baby. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-manly-weepers-what-films-are-ok-for-men-to-cry-while-watching/384484.md?page=6)