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You must feel sad seeing these movie characters

Exploring the Emotional Bonds We Forge with Movie Characters in Their Moments of Sorrow

By NORMAN NEALPublished 8 months ago 3 min read
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Movies have the power to immerse us in captivating narratives, introduce us to unforgettable characters, and evoke a wide range of emotions. While some characters inspire admiration and joy, others can leave us feeling deeply sympathetic or even sorrowful. In this article, we'll explore some movie characters who have stirred our empathy and made us genuinely feel sorry for their fictional plight.

1. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump, 1994)

Few characters in cinematic history have garnered as much sympathy as Forrest Gump. Played by Tom Hanks, Forrest is a man with a low IQ who overcomes numerous challenges in life, including a tumultuous childhood and the Vietnam War. His unwavering innocence and unrequited love for Jenny, a troubled woman, tug at our heartstrings, making us root for him throughout his remarkable journey.

2. E.T. (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, 1982)

E.T. is an adorable alien stranded on Earth, desperately trying to find a way home. As he forms a deep bond with a young boy named Elliott, we can't help but feel sorry for E.T. as he faces the fear and hostility of a world that doesn't understand him. His vulnerability and longing for his own kind resonate with viewers of all ages.

3. Hester Prynne (The Scarlet Letter, 1995)

Hester Prynne, portrayed by Demi Moore in the film adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic novel, is a character who elicits both sympathy and admiration. Branded with a scarlet letter 'A' as punishment for her perceived sin, Hester navigates a society filled with judgment and hypocrisy. Her resilience and silent suffering make her a character we can't help but feel sorry for.

4. Arthur Dent (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 2005):

Arthur Dent, portrayed by Martin Freeman, is a regular human who is unexpectedly swept away on a cosmic adventure when Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass. His bewilderment and vulnerability in the face of absurdity and danger make him a relatable character who evokes sympathy.

5. Precious (Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire, 2009):

Precious, played by Gabourey Sidibe, is a young woman who endures unimaginable abuse and hardship while trying to pursue an education. Her resilience and determination to break free from her troubled past make her a character for whom we feel profound sympathy and hope.

6. Aibileen Clark (The Help, 2011):

Aibileen, portrayed by Viola Davis, is an African-American maid in the racially segregated South of the 1960s. Her quiet strength and the injustices she faces while caring for white children in a prejudiced society evoke empathy and a sense of injustice.

7. Aron Ralston (127 Hours, 2010):

Aron Ralston, played by James Franco, is a real-life character who becomes trapped by a boulder while hiking alone in a remote canyon. His harrowing ordeal and the choices he must make for survival elicit both sympathy and awe.

8. Jean Valjean (Les Misérables, 2012)

Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman in the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's novel, is a former convict who seeks redemption while being pursued by the relentless Inspector Javert. Valjean's journey from a life of crime to one of selflessness and compassion is a testament to the human spirit, and his struggles and sacrifices evoke a profound sense of sympathy from the audience.

9. John Coffey (The Green Mile, 1999)

John Coffey, portrayed by Michael Clarke Duncan, is a death row inmate with a remarkable gift for healing. Despite his imposing appearance, Coffey is innocent of the crime for which he's sentenced to die. His gentle nature and unjust fate make his character one of the most emotionally affecting in cinema history.

10. The Iron Giant (The Iron Giant, 1999)

The Iron Giant, a colossal robot with a heart of gold, crashes to Earth and befriends a young boy named Hogarth. As he grapples with his destructive nature and the fear of being hunted by the military, the Giant's journey to understand his own existence and protect his friends is profoundly moving, eliciting sympathy for this mechanical marvel.

Movies have a unique ability to connect us with fictional characters and their emotional journeys. Whether it's a simpleton like Forrest Gump, an alien like E.T., or a convict seeking redemption like Jean Valjean, these characters remind us of our shared humanity and the universal experience of facing adversity. Feeling sorry for these characters is a testament to the power of storytelling and the emotional resonance it can create in our lives.

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NORMAN NEAL

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