Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Popcorn and Handkerchiefs

I can't imagine why I willingly sit down and watch bad things happen to good animals, but I am, admittedly, a sucker for a heart-wrenching animal flick. Here's a list of my top four tear-jerkers:

OLD YELLER (1957)

The death of a devoted pet is bad enough, but having to kill that pet is unimaginable. And watching all this on the screen? Nuts. Yet, a couple of years ago, I sat my daughter down to watch this classic. I've probably scarred her for life.

BAMBI (1942) and DUMBO (1941)

These animations deal with losing or being separated from one's mother. Boy, that Disney guy sure knew how to pull our heartstrings--two more tear-inducing flicks. Dumbo may have been what initially turned me off circuses.


BORN FREE (1966)

It's been over 40 years since I first saw this film, yet even humming the title song can still choke me up. Unlike the other movies listed here, this one was based on a true story, and that makes it even more poignant. If I cry over a lioness leaving home, how the hell am I going to deal with my daughter going off on her own?


Come to think of it, I haven't see a good, bawl-your-eyes-out animal movie for a long time. Any recommendations?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've never been able to watch Old Yeller, or read the book, even. But I remember watching Born Free like it was yesterday, especially the song! And Elsa, the Lioness...that was a great movie! (Wasn't there at least another movie after it, too? Live Free, I think.)

Lynn Sinclair said...

I believe there was a sequel to Born Free, but I never saw it. Come on, Melanie, you've got to watch Old Yeller. Make it a family night--you know, the family that scars together, stays together. :)

NuclearToast said...

Stick with the people that do it right:
Eight Below
The Incredible Journey
Milo and Otis
Pete's Dragon
Sounder
That Darn Cat! (1965 version)
The Ugly Dachshund
Where the Red Fern Grows
White Fang

Lynn Sinclair said...

So many movies, so little time. I'll have to get my cat, Meeko, to review these.

A few years ago, I watched The Incredible Journey with my daughter and niece. My niece kept asking, "Aren't the animals going to talk?" I think the movie bored her to tears. I remember how entrhalling the Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color show was when I was a kid--an entire hour about a bear or a dog. No talking, just an old guy narrating.

Man, we were so innocent.

Anonymous said...

Where the Red Fern Grows and Homeward Bound. There's nothing really tragic about them, but they always make me cry.

Lynn Sinclair said...

Brenda, I haven't seen "Where the Red Fern Grows", but I'll add it to my list of heartwarming movies to watch on a cold winter night.

Anonymous said...

Lynn, you've got to add one more great movie to your list, titled Owd Bob.

This is a wonderful family movie that takes place on the English Isle Of Man, about a senseless rivalry between rural sheepherders and their championship sheep dogs, one of which, is falsely accused of killing off the sheep. (A real
heart-wrencher!)

And who can forget one of my favorite animal movies of all time, Babe? (By the way, actor James Cromwell, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Babe, also plays the role of one of the sheepherders in Owd Bob.)

Lynn Sinclair said...

Ah, Georgie, you have a thing for movies from Britain. I've never seen nor heard of Owd Bob, so will keep an eye out for it at Blockbuster.

saratogajean said...

Watch "I Am Legend." It's a zombie movie that'll make you cry. I made my dog sleep in the bed with me after I watched it.

Lynn Sinclair said...

I haven't seen that one yet, Saratogajean, but will put it on my list. Problem is ... I don't have a dog. Will a cat do?