Movies that Highlight Our Humanity and Compassion in Suffering

There are three films that moved me to tears—tears of both joy and sorrow. These films share a common theme: suffering, finding hope in that suffering, and being driven by a mission. The three films are:

•   Lee Miller: A Life on the Front Line
•   Schindler’s List
•   The Bucket List

While the first two films confront the horrors of the Nazi Third Reich, the last deals with two individuals facing terminal illness. In these moments of vulnerability, our humanity and the need to care for others shine through most profoundly. Whether it’s coming to terms with the brevity of life or witnessing the loss of loved ones, these experiences are deeply humanizing. It’s also a sobering reminder of the great tragedy that allowed the Nazis to rise to power and inflict so much evil. I once saw a documentary that highlighted how many intellectuals in Germany dismissed the possibility of the Nazis gaining control, viewing it as a cruel joke—one that turned into a nightmare.

In Lee Miller: A Life on the Front Line, there’s a striking scene where the French people are enjoying their lives, joking about what might happen—much like the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when it seemed distant and almost unimaginable, until it wasn’t. These stories serve as essential reminders that history is not so distant, and while traveling through Germany and France, I often encountered these reminders—a statue, a war memorial, even a Reddit post about a woman who gained dual citizenship because her grandmother, a Jewish German citizen, had to flee the country.

I also want to highlight the bravery of both Lee Miller and Oskar Schindler. Despite the immense danger, they stood up for what they believed in. This courage requires not only a deep desire to protect others, even strangers, but also the ability to recognize evil and take action against it.

As for The Bucket List, it’s a heartwarming portrayal of friendship and the idea that, even in later life, there are still countless incredible experiences to be had. This is how I want to live my life—embracing adventure, connecting with people, and sharing the full spectrum of emotions. Life’s too short to be grim, and there’s excitement in making things happen and sharing that journey with others.