<p>
</p>
<p>A parent dies in very sad circumstances. (Trying to avoid spoilers for those who haven’t seen it.)</p>
<p>My mother just watched Local Hero and loved it, which pleased me because it is one of my favorite movies.</p>
<p>I agree: definitely avoid Benjamin Button. Although an excellent movie, it is terribly sad.</p>
<p>Grumpy Old Men: Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon
It Could Happen to You: Bridgett Fonda and Nicholas Cage</p>
<p>Priscilla Queen of the Desert - Australia, drag queens, road trip, mild violence, sad childhood flashbacks, amazing costumes, excellent sound track, happy ending.</p>
<p>Secretariat.</p>
<p>It’s fairly recent and about as uplifting as they come.</p>
<p>For an older movie I always like “My Cousin Vinny.”</p>
<p>Don’t forget that someone dies in Chocolat.</p>
<p>This is actually a nice list to keep on hand.</p>
<p>Comments on previous suggestions:
Slumdog Millionaire–I was glad I saw it, but found it to be extremely sad.
Goodbye Lenin–a very interesting foreign film, but revolves around a hospitalized grandmother.
Wallace & Gromit or Jeeves and Wooster–good clean fun. </p>
<p>My family also enjoys the Mr. Bean TV series, Mr. Bean’s Holiday and Bean.</p>
<p>For an uplifting documentary, Herb & Dorothy. Great story of how a postal worker and a librarian built one of the nation’s premier modern art collections. They gave it to the National Gallery of Art and started again! Cute little older couple.</p>
<p>Wow, this is scary! I recommended Groundhog Day and didn’t remember the suicide scene, and Chocalat, and didn’t remember that anyone died.</p>
<p>^^I guess you need to revisit Groundhog Day and eat some chocolate :)</p>
<p>An earlier post mentioned a wonderful movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape”. A more recent movie (and equally wonderful) is “Dan in Real Life”. Both films were written and directed by Peter Hedges.</p>
<p>Tim Burton’s “Big Fish” though it deals with dying yet redemption.</p>
<p>pushing daises</p>
<p>First, your parents are going through such a difficult time, your project to allow them some escape from this is admirable. Stay strong.
Here are a couple of ideas, may be on target depending on interests:</p>
<p>“The September Issue”-not so much uplifting as ‘engaging’ behind the scenes look at the fashion industry, and Ann Wintour,considered the most influential woman in the industry. Even if your mother isn’t a fashionista, this is a well- made engaging film.</p>
<p>If your mother is interested in art, “J’Accuse”, a docu about Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” is also engaging, more cerebral, and an intriguing look at one of the most famous paintings in the world. </p>
<p>(I just joined Netflix yesterday for free month trial,and love the rating system-after rating about 50 movies, they give me a projected rating and suggestions for movies I may enjoy. LOVE THIS)</p>
<p>I really like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” as well, but I’m remembering that there’s a tragic turn of events toward the end of the movie. Of course, many uplifting movies are about death and loss - but I don’t think that’s what the OP’s mom is looking for just now. I’ve never seen “Dan in Real Life” but now that I know Peter Hedges directed it, I’ll look for it next time I’m at Blockbuster.</p>
<p>And, in Groundhog day, don’t forget about the death of the “old man” as well…</p>
<p>If your Dad likes movie musicals, there are a bunch of 'em…</p>
<p>Singin in the Rain
The Sound of Music
My Fair Lady
Chicago
Gypsy
Hairspray
West Side Story
Grease
The Producers
Evita
Mame
Guys and Dolls
South Pacific
The Music Man
A Chorus Line
Cats
Dreamgirls
Funny Girl
Cabaret
Oklahoma
Showboat
42nd Street
The King and I
Nine
Sweeney Todd
Fame
Oliver
Annie
Bye Bye Birdie
Newsies
Hair
Sweet Charity
Hello Dolly</p>
<p>Also, if your dad did community theater, he should enjoy the movie, Waiting for Guffman.</p>
<p>I was going to suggest Akeelah and the Bee, a wonderful movie. I see that someone has already suggested it. But, although no one dies in the movie, the main characters are clearly affected by previous deaths of close relatives. I didn’t find the movie at all depressing.</p>
<p>In terms of old TV shows, I love the Mary Tyler Moore Show and West Wing.</p>