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Saddest films of all time?


Not soppy romcoms or teenage drivel, I want the most sulking, Lynchnian, Bela Tarr-style level of abandoned hopelessness and misery. Please recommend things that are designed to be as emotionally exhausting and damaging to your psyche as possible. Thanks and god bless.

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mysterious skin

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Bastard out of Carolina (1996) - the then 11 year old Jena Malone as Bone the victim of physical and sexual abuse. I have the DVD but I've only watched it once.

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Sophie's Choice (1982)

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..... Ironweed

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Garage (2007) directed by Lenny Abrahamson
If anyone ends up watching this, I'm sorry in advance

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Dang. Me and a horror movie friend call those “soul crushers.” Since I lean that way, I’ll try to separate out the horror stuff that shows extreme violence and/or gore. These may or may not make you cry, but these have made me feel like I needed a shower afterwards:

Snowtown (2011)
Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986)
Funny Games (1997 or 2007) - I find the original German version more effective, as I don’t recognize any actors. Haneke has made several soul crushers.

Less emphasis on horror:
Gummo (1997)
Come and See (1985)

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We call them "soul tormentors". :D

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No Place Like Home (1989)

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Irreversible (92) was extremely sad and disturbing. It has a rape scene which just goes on and on, there are a couple of other violent assaults as well and the final reveal is a heartbreaker.

It was a skillfully made movie and I admired the script and acting very much but I’ve never watched it again.

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