At a grand ballroom party, Judy anxiously awaits the appearance of her younger brother who had previously enlisted into the war. When he shows up, they only share a moment together before he breaks the news that he must immediately depart for combat. As Judy walks with him out of the room, it's a heartwrenching scene as the songtress of the club and fellow guests belt out 'Til We Meet Again.
Disney can strum heartstrings like no tomorrow, but they sure know how to rip them out too. From The Lion King, Bambi, Up! and countless other films, it was imperative for me to include this scene from Toy Story 2 (1999). Seeing this movie 2013 at ten years old, I fell in love with Jessie. Hearing her lament about Emily, the previous owner who cast her aside brought on by age and maturing interests, destroyed me. Luckily, my mother sensed my distraught and bought me my own Jessie doll to care for as an early birthday present. I'm older, a little wiser, but will always hug Jessie tightly during When She Loved Me.
It's A Wonderful Life (1939), starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, is one of my favorite all-time movies - not just for Christmas but the entire year 'round. George Bailey doesn't want to live. Getting his wish, an angel Clarence helps Bailey see what his life will be like if he hadn't existed. This only covers a mere fourty-five minutes of the entire two hour film, of which George is tested again and again by his circumstances and the ruthlessly wealthy Mr. Potter. The tearjerker scene for me comes when George is at the absolute end of his rope. He is not a praying man, but at a local bar, he tearfully begs for help.
I'm not sure if this needs any explanation but just in case. Baby elephant Dumbo has unusually large ears, and in the circus with his mother, he is ruthlessly teased by other animals. One evening Mrs. Jumbo loses her temper when her baby is being attacked; she is deemed mad, locked up, and Dumbo is left as an outcast. Before they are brutally separated, Mrs. Jumbo cradles her sweet baby in a lullaby; Baby Mine from Dumbo (1941). *exhales*