'Best Picture' Oscar Nominees That Should've Won?

[Chen G. 3,949]

What is the lithmus test of good drama if not the emotional reaction it ellicits in you?

[Brundlefly 2,385]

2 hours ago, Chen G. said:

It moves me far more, therefore it is the better film.

As "Awakenings" proves: A crying audience is not an indication of a good movie.

[Chen G. 3,949]

Yes, movies can be emotionally manipulative in a very shallow way. I don’t think Braveheart does that. I think it makes one invested enough in the plight of the protagonists and in their need to triumph over the opposition that the dramatic moments truly resonate. That’s the brilliance of starting this movie with young Wallace and keeping the action until an hour into this film.

 

It also manages to avoid the other extreme, that of melodrama, through Gibson’s directing: when William sees the men return, we see that his father and brother are missing and that the oxen are carrying something. But instead of turning to melodrama, its entirely wordless: Wallace turns away and focuses on his chores, but even as he does, the carriage is always there at the back of the frame.

[JoeinAR 1,949]

There is nothing wrong with a melodrama.