If you're running out of ideas on what to watch, you've come to the right place! Sometimes, we all need a good cry. For those that like movies with happy ending included, feel free to test out these titles and read my outlook on them! (Not all have a happy ending though.) I tried not to give away too much from each of the movies.
1. 'Under The Same Moon' (La Misma Luna)
This will always be my favorite movie. It tells the story that thousands (if not millions at this point) of immigrant families go through. I highly recommend it if you ever need a good cry but need the happy ending. Immigration is a topic I am personally passionate about because it hits very close to home, and I feel as if it is a concept that is thought of and discussed without actually processing that deportations are what separate real families and people. Is this my story? No. But it very well could have been. It is a movie that gives great perspective of what some Latino/Hispanic families go through, and it is fortunately available with dubbed audio for those that do not speak Spanish or want some practice with it.
2. 'Fruitvale Station'
This is an incredibly underrated film, and I only didn't make it my favorite because “Under the Same Moon” holds a special place in my heart. It is the true story of Oscar Grant, and his arrest at Fruitvale Station. With continuing prominence of racial tensions between law enforcement and minority groups, this is a great movie to watch to give the perspective of a person from a marginalized group. If you are not angry by the end of the film, then you'll surely be in tears. There is no happy ending, for justice still has not been served for Oscar Grant, and unfortunately so many other innocent people that have been (and continue to be) unjustly killed with little to no response from law enforcement.
3. 'The Perks of Being Wallflower'
This was my favorite book in middle school, and what I find particularly great about this film is that it was also directed by the book's author! There are very few differences between the book and film, and the differences are well done otherwise. Fair warning, the main character battles some scary incidents with his mental illness. If you've ever felt like an outsider, this is the movie for you. Happy ending is guaranteed! Of course the book is always better than the movie, but this follows very close behind.
4. 'El Bola'
This is a Spanish film that tells the heartbreaking story of a boy living in a home with frequent domestic violence. You will cry like a baby, and you will fall in love with that little boy as if he's your own little brother. The acting in this film is absolutely brilliant and will leave you with goose bumps for at least a week.
