What Movies Made Me Laugh and Cry

Throughout the vast expanse of cinema, there are certain films that have the unique ability to touch the heart and bring forth both laughter and tears. These movies are often not mere reflections of reality but serve as a cathartic experience, allowing us to process and understand our emotions more deeply. In this journey, we will explore two such movies that left a lasting impact on me.

Mocking the Enemy: Pakistani Media and National Tensions

Earlier this week, I stumbled upon a YouTube recommendation featuring a video from Pakistani media. The video was filled with a blend of humor and nationalism, deeply embedded in the tensions following the Pulwama attack. The narrator, while addressing the border disputes, made sweeping comparisons, contrasting the CRPF soldiers with goats, mocking Narendra Modi with the term "Chaiwala," and even praising Imran Khan as a "sensible” visionary. Her rhetoric culminated with a dire warning, suggesting that Pakistan's retaliation might reduce both Modi and India to mere artifacts of history. As I went through more of these videos, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief and disappointment in the astounding ignorance evident in the media.

These videos painted a picture of a society unabashedly detached from the real world, much like a frog in a well, limiting its understanding to what it is told by others. This kind of rhetoric, while seemingly humorous at times, is misleading and reckless in its portrayal of national and international relations.

Thugs of Hindustan: A Bittersweet Experience

When it comes to movies that brought me to tears, Thugs of Hindustan is a standout. Having paid 350Rs for the tickets, the experience was not one of pure joy but rather a bittersweet memory. In just a half-hour, the film managed to evoke a range of emotions, from laughter to tears. As the movie unfolded, I realized that I was not alone in my suffering, as more than 150 people in the theater were also wiping away tears. The experience taught me a valuable lesson: witnessing others experiencing similar emotions can indeed lighten the load of our own pain and even make us chuckle.

A Modern Classic: The Maze Runner Series

Another series that has left a profound impact on me is The Maze Runner. These books and movies are unique in their ability to elicit both emotional and intellectual responses. As a fervent fan of The Maze Runner books and movies, these narratives have managed to make me cry more than any other media had in the past. This emotional resounding is a testament to the power of storytelling and the human capacity for empathy.

The story revolves around a group of boys trapped in a deadly maze, with no recollection of their past lives. Thomas, a new arrival, joins the group, all of whom have been attempting to escape. The narrative is filled with suspense, mystery, and the constant struggle against despair. 'The Death Cure,' the third installment, particularly stands out for its emotional intensity. The fifth book, 'The Fever Code,' is eagerly awaited, adding to the anticipation and emotional connection.

The emotional journey of these books and movies is what sets them apart. It is this ability to evoke such a broad spectrum of emotions that makes them not just thrilling, but truly memorable. They remind us of the power of storytelling and how it can make us feel, sometimes intensely.

Conclusion

From the absurdity of Pakistani media's rhetoric to the profound impact of The Maze Runner series, these movies made me feel a myriad of emotions. They serve as a testament to the power of cinema to engage, entertain, and evoke deep emotional responses. These are the movies that not only entertain but also challenge us to reflect on the world around us.