Films about Losing Everything
Films about losing everything explore the theme of loss in its most profound and devastating form. These movies delve into the emotional journey of characters who experience the complete destruction of their lives, whether it be through a personal tragedy, financial ruin, or the loss of their loved ones. Here are some existing films that capture the essence of losing everything:
“The Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Based on a true story, this film follows the life of Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, who loses his job, his home, and his wife, leaving him and his young son homeless. Despite the overwhelming odds, Chris remains determined to provide a better life for his son and embarks on a journey of survival and self-discovery.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung, David Michael Silverman, Domenic Bove, Geoff Callan, Joyful Raven, Scott Klace, Rashida Clendening, Eric Schniewind, Peter Fitzsimmons, Maurice Sherbanee, Zuhair Haddad, Victor Raider-Wexler, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Darryl Fong, George Maguire, Joe Nunez, Adam Del Rio, Rocky LaRochelle, Erin Cahill, Rueben Grundy, Lo Ming, John Kovacevich, Bonnie Akimoto, Stu Klitsner, Esther Scott, Tina D'Elia, Rev. Cecil Williams, David Fine, George Moffatt, Amir Talai, Mike Garibaldi, Jason Frazier, Kevin Crook, David Haines, James Finnerty, Abigail Van Alyn, Bob Greene, Robert Anthony Peters, Terri Orth-Pallavicini, John Robb, Daniel Wilder!;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Requiem for a Dream”, 2000
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, this haunting film portrays the lives of four individuals who spiral into addiction and lose everything they hold dear. Through its intense and visceral storytelling, “Requiem for a Dream” explores the devastating consequences of addiction and the profound loss it inflicts on its characters.
Starring: Jared Leto, Marlon Wayans, Jennifer Connelly, Ellen Burstyn, Christopher McDonald, Louise Lasser, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Janet Sarno, Suzanne Shepherd, Joanne Gordon, Charlotte Aronofsky, Mark Margolis, Michael Kaycheck, Jack O'Connell, Chas Mastin, Ajay Naidu, Sean Gullette, Samia Shoaib, Peter Maloney, Abraham Abraham, Aliya Campbell, Te'ron A. O'Neal, Denise Dowse, Bryan Chattoo, Eddie De Harp, Scott Franklin, Peter Cheyenne, Brian Costello, Abraham Aronofsky, James Chinlund, Olga Merediz, Allison Furman, Robert Dylan Cohen, Ben Shenkman, Keith David, Dylan Baker, Shaun O'Hagan, Leland Gantt, Bill Buell, Jimmie Ray Weeks, Gregg Bello, Henry Stram, Heather Litteer, Jenny Decker, Ami Goodheart, Nina Zavarin, Stanley Herman, Scott Bader, Jim Centofanti, Scott Chait;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Requiem for a Dream” on the website imdb.com
“The Road”, 2009
Director: John Hillcoat
Based on Cormac McCarthy's novel, this post-apocalyptic film follows a father and son as they navigate a desolate and dangerous world. The characters face constant threats of violence, starvation, and isolation, highlighting the loss of civilization and the struggle to maintain hope in the face of utter despair.
Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall, Molly Parker, Michael Kenneth Williams, Garret Dillahunt, Bob Jennings, Agnes Herrmann, Buddy Sosthand, Kirk Brown, Jack Erdie, David August, Gina Preciado, Mary Rawson, Jeremy Ambler, Aaron Bernard, Kacey Byrne-Houser, Jarrod DiGiorgi, Paul Hodge, Frederick E. Kowalo, Chaz Moneypenny, Wilson Moore, Nick Pasqual, Paul J. Rosenburg, Brenna Roth, Mark Tierno;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, thriller;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“127 Hours”, 2010
Director: Danny Boyle
Directed by Danny Boyle, this film tells the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston, portrayed by James Franco, who becomes trapped in a remote canyon after a boulder pins his arm. As he fights for survival with limited resources, Aron is forced to confront the possibility of losing everything, including his own life.
Starring: James Franco, Kate Mara, Amber Tamblyn, Clémence Poésy, Lizzy Caplan, Treat Williams, Kate Burton, Sean Bott, John Lawrence, Koleman Stinger, Bailee Michelle Johnson, Parker Hadley, Fenton Quinn Jr., Peter Joshua Hull, Pieter Jan Brugge, Rebecca C. Olson, Jeffrey Wood, Norman Lehnert, Xmas Lutu, Terry S. Mercer, Darin Scott, Johnny Ahn, Robert Bear, Adam Colvin, Luke Drake, Christopher K. Hagadone, Liz Boggess-Hales, Zachary Haycock, Kelly Higgins, Brad Johnson, Lonzo Liggins, Samantha Marsden, Kelsie Mathews, Amber Mccoy, Wendy H. Meier, Kyle Paul, Priscilla Poland, Jessica Ralston, Amy Savannah, Stacey Ann Turner;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: thriller, biography, drama, adventure;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 93 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “127 Hours” on the website imdb.com
“The Wrestler”, 2008
Director: Darren Aronofsky
In this Darren Aronofsky-directed film, Mickey Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Robinson, a washed-up professional wrestler who has lost everything – his career, his family, and his sense of self. As he struggles to find purpose outside the ring, “The Wrestler” explores the heartbreaking consequences of a life consumed by fame and sacrifice.
Starring: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Mark Margolis, Todd Barry, Wass Stevens, Judah Friedlander, Ernest Miller, Dylan Keith Summers, Tommy Farra, Mike Miller, Marcia Jean Kurtz, John D'Leo, Ajay Naidu, Gregg Bello, Scott Siegel, Maurizio Ferrigno, Donnetta Lavinia Grays, Andrea Langi, Armin Amiri, Lynn Tovale Anoai, Ryan Lynn, Michael Drayer, Alyssa Bresnahan, Jeff Chena, Vernon Campbell, Felice Choi, Bernadette Penotti, Johnny Valiant, Ron Killings, Johnny Roselli, Sylvia Kauders, Alissa Reisler, Willy Rosner, Rebecca Darke, E.J. Carroll, Abraham Aronofsky, Charlotte Aronofsky, TJ Kedzieerski, Jen Cohn, Tyrone Scott, Douglas Crosby, Larry Legend, Nick Papagerio, Kevin Kelly, Jon Patrick Trosky, Andrew Anderson, Daniel Solwold;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: drama, sport;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “The Wrestler” on the website imdb.com
“Wild”, 2014
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
Based on Cheryl Strayed's memoir, this film follows the journey of a woman, played by Reese Witherspoon, who embarks on a solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail after losing her mother, her marriage, and battling addiction. Through her physical and emotional challenges, she confronts her past and finds redemption in the face of loss.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Keene McRae, Michiel Huisman, W. Earl Brown, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, Brian Van Holt, Cliff De Young, Mo, Will Cuddy, Leigh Parker, Nick Eversman, Alles Mist, Randy Schulman, Cathryn de Prume, Kurt Conroyd, Ted deChatelet, Jeffree Newman, Lorraine Bahr, Jerry Carlton, Kevin Michael Moore, Debra Pralle, Gray Eubank, Anne Sorce, Charles Baker, JD Evermore, Beth Hall, Jan Hoag, Carlee McManus, Art Alexakis, Anne Gee Byrd, Evan O'Toole, Jeanine Jackson, Jason Newell, Barry O'Neil, Rich Morris, Bobbi Strayed Lindstrom, Robert Alan Barnett, William Nelson, Tony Doupe, Dan Considine, Andrew Saunderson, Greg James, Orianna Milne, Brian Borcherdt, Eric D. Johnson, Matt Pascua, Edric Carter;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Wild” on the website imdb.com
These films offer a glimpse into the profound impact of losing everything and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. Through their powerful storytelling and compelling performances, they invite viewers to reflect on the fragility of life and the strength that can emerge from the depths of despair.
In the realm of cinema, films about losing everything have the power to tug at our heartstrings and remind us of the fragility of life. These poignant narratives delve into the depths of human vulnerability, exploring the profound impact that loss can have on individuals and society as a whole. Whether it be the loss of a loved one, financial ruin, or the collapse of one's dreams, these films capture the raw emotions and resilience that arise from such devastating circumstances. Through masterful storytelling and captivating performances, they offer a reflection of our own fears and struggles, ultimately reminding us of the indomitable spirit that can emerge even in the face of utter despair.
