The Hardest Movies to Watch: Why Some Films Are More Than Just Difficult Viewing

Have you ever found yourself unable to finish a movie, feeling disturbed rather than entertained or engaged? If so, you're not alone. This article explores some of the most challenging films to watch, which not only push the boundaries of human sensitivity but also offer profound emotional or intellectual experiences.

Uncomfortable Films: A Journey Through the Weirdest and Most Disconcerting

The Border stands out as one of the weirdest and most difficult films to complete. I couldn't finish it, and I would not recommend it unless you have a highly open mind. The movie's bizarre storyline and surreal settings make it an experience that you'll likely forget—unless you're looking for a challenge.

Similarly, Fantastic Planet left me feeling uncomfortable even after watching the trailer. The abstract imagery and conceptual storytelling of this film can be quite a mental and emotional strain, making it a challenging experience to endure from start to finish.

Intense and Emotional Ordeals: Films that Test Your Limits

Hacksaw Ridge is a remarkable example of a film that provides an intense and emotional experience. The movie tells the story of Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector who joined the Army as a combat medic during World War II. Doss' service is both heroic and humbling; he saved 75 men without carrying a weapon. His methods and the battle scenes, such as those depicted in the film, still create a deeply emotional and challenging viewing experience. This is not a film for those who only enjoy light entertainment but for those who seek to be challenged and moved.

Emotional and Grueling Journey Through Trauma and Art

Some movies, like Short Cuts by Almanado, Oasis (a film by a Korean filmmaker), and Sophie’s Choice, Jacob’s Ladder, and Requiem for a Dream, as well as Stalker and Tarkovsky, are known for their deeply emotional and often grueling content. These films take a toll on the viewer, pushing them through emotional ordeals and leaving an indelible mark. They are not for casual viewers but for those who seek an intense, thought-provoking, and emotionally challenging experience.

Runaway Success: Blindside Experience

Another experience that left me questioning my own limits was at the movies. I went to see Mad Dog Morgan (also known as Mad Dog) based on its historical background and star, Dennis Hopper. However, a mid-film gunfight scene that showed someone having half their head shot off, which was particularly gruesome, caused me to leave the theater midway. The intensity of the scene was so extreme that I did not want to endure the climax. According to Wikipedia, the "unrated or uncut versions were very difficult to come by outside of Australia," indicating that the version I saw was likely quite intense.

Similarly, I left Dont Look Now due to its tense, foreboding, and otherworldly atmosphere. The film is now acknowledged as a modern classic, but I found it too much to endure. The "associative use of recurring motifs combined with unorthodox editing techniques" added to its unsettling effect, making it a challenge to sit through.

Despite my discomfort, I didn't leave the theater during Un Chien Andalou. However, despite this, I would have gladly skipped the scene where an eyeball is sliced. According to Wikipedia, the use of a dead calf's eye in this scene involved intense lighting and bleaching to make the furred face of the animal appear as human skin. The visual and conceptual nature of the film itself makes it a challenging viewing experience, pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable or comfortable for most viewers.

Concluding Thoughts on Difficult Viewing Experiences

While these films may be challenging to watch, they often provide profound and meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact. For those seeking a challenge or a film that pushes limits, these movies offer a unique and at times uncomfortable journey. However, the decision to sit through these films is a personal one, and it's important to approach them with the right mindset and perhaps a strong stomach and an open mind.