| I'm just curious, please don't see this as me insulting, and yes I acknowledge they're not the same things. Please excuse my ignorance on this topic. I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? I've had a similar question forever in my mind to people who like watching and/or playing/participating in scary stuff, the overall answer to that is adrenaline. So what would be in this case?. Sorry if I seem to be generalizing or making it sound like one simple thing. I was just wondering. I can understand watching something tragic that has a happy ending, but.. What is it that you like in watching something that doesn't have one?. I guess I mostly expect responses like "the execution of the story, etc" and more "technical" answers but.. I'm more so asking on an emotional standpoint, but if you do so wish to respond like that, go ahead, I just want to know how you feel. |
| well when i read/watch something, as much as anything i want to feel, any kind of emotion. And that genre evokes some of the stronger ones. its weird but sometimes i find a small part of myself rooting for sad endings even when i like the characters, idk sometimes i think sad endings are beautiful in a way happy ones cant be. Or maybe i just like that despair.  |
| There's this chill you get, like a numbness or a tingling sensation, when you see something terrible and feel bad about it. I would liken it to orgasm, and this is why I call it tragedy porn. People have this response all the time in real life too, it's why they exaggerate their problems and play the victim in every situation. It feels good on some level to think things around you are horrible and you're making a heroic effort to cope. Self-pity can be addictive, but at least I get my dose from fiction. Also I'm genuinely curious about different perspectives and viewpoints, it entertains me to see these reflections of society, even if they're miserable ones. |
 |
CuriousRobby9 said: well when i read/watch something, as much as anything i want to feel, any kind of emotion. And that genre evokes some of the stronger ones. its weird but sometimes i find a small part of myself rooting for sad endings even when i like the characters, idk sometimes i think sad endings are beautiful in a way happy ones cant be. Or maybe i just like that despair. Very interesting, thank you for your response. I understand what you're trying to say :) |
LVL1GoblinFeb 5, 2017 10:34 AM
| Usually sad stories explore the characters more deeply and display their thoughts around problems better which could give valuable information and help with understanding and dealing with them, or just make you look at stuff trough different angle. They also tend to be more realistic and the enjoyment comes more from seeing the struggles and coming to realisations. There aren't many stories that are 100% black bad ends, there's always something encouraging and looking at character fail and succeed is very emotionally fulfulling. |
 |
SillySlySy said: There's this chill you get, like a numbness or a tingling sensation, when you see something terrible and feel bad about it. I would liken it to orgasm, and this is why I call it tragedy porn. People have this response all the time in real life too, it's why they exaggerate their problems and play the victim in every situation. It feels good on some level to think things around you are horrible and you're making a heroic effort to cope. Self-pity can be addictive, but at least I get my dose from fiction. Also I'm genuinely curious about different perspectives and viewpoints, it entertains me to see these reflections of society, even if they're miserable ones. Thank you! This makes a lot of sense, sorry for the vague responses. I'm just trying to see what your viewpoints are, I'm really liking these responses. They make a lot of sense ^u^ |
Aquamirror said: Usually sad stories explore the characters more deeply and display their thoughts around problems better which could give valuable information and help with understanding and dealing with them, or just make you look at stuff trough different angle. They also tend to be more realistic and the enjoyment comes more from seeing the struggles and coming to realizations. There aren't many stories that are 100% black bad ends, there's always something encouraging. Yes, stories like these tend to be quite deep and more character developing. Compared to happy go lucky ones. I see that this is a common answer, a different perspective/angle to things is revealed to you, making you realize things. Similar to learning life lessons which is what many stories are meant to achieve.. I forgot which genre it was, I think it was old Christian theater.. Not sure, sorry for my ignorance. Also the uniqueness that comes from these stories as you mentioned is quite a lot, is quite rare to encounter them.. Hmm, hmmm. |
| I'm starting to understand more about this genre and their watchers. Thanks for the responses!, they're clearing a lot of my confusion I've always had with the purpose behind watching them as I don't really engage in actively watching these Animes/reading these mangas. And don't worry I'll try not to assume or generalize this is all there is to it, I'll try to see the whole of it first before I say anything about this ^U^ |
| It's not something I would choose to read, probably only in horror. But I think it's also because a lot of manga/anime are sickly sweet so sometimes it's nice to see something with a bad ending for a change. |
| *cough* @Nordish_Fabsters *cough* Sounds like your kind of question, doll. I personally like watching heart-wrenching anime with others just to see them cry. Woah, that sounds bad. |
| looking at sad cartoon people reminds me i should be happy (hope i worded that good) and happy endings are generic af |
 |
| I think enjoyment also includes the emotions you mentioned. Why do people play games or watch movies with horror as main theme? Same answer if you ask me. It's about what you want to see. |
| It draws emotion from me. That's my goal when watching anime or even sports- to feel something whether it be joy or sadness |
  |
| Sadness and tragedy invoke stronger emotions in me, sadness tends to make you more introspective about yourself and your feelings. Is it something I go for all the time? No. But some of my favorite series have elements of tragedy and hardship to them. |
 |
| There are a million and one happy endings. A well-done sad one is a gem. Partly because it's unique, and partly because if you don't do tragedy well, it ends up laughable rather than actually sad. |
 |
| Thanks for the responses! Sorry that I didn't respond, I'm currently undertaking the mind engaging task of watchin' Animu ;3 Please continue sharing your thoughts as they're very insightful to people like me who rarely partake in watching these type of Anime and reading these sort of manga. |
| I like to watch shows that brings out emotions in me. |
Soriki said: I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUE_Lr5IhvU |
 |
| It's not an accident that it was the most prevalent genre in the history of litterary art. Is Tragedy the Greatest Genre ? http://coursesite.uhcl.edu/HSH/Whitec/xcritsource/genre/tragedygreat.htm? |
| Tragedy is entertaining to watch and shows that characters can take a little bit of hardship in their lives. Nowadays most anime is boring AF and characters break down and turn emo for the smallest things that happen in their otherwise boring mundane lives of going to highschool and enjoying their young and carefree lives. |
 "The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." -Friedrich Nietzsche |
| I like it when a show manages to make me emotional. Even if it's frustration or sadness it can be a good thing. The show made you care for the characters that much, and caring about the characters is mostly what makes or breaks a show for me and many others. Emotional feedback to what you're watching is like a compliment to the show, it did its job well. Also just experiencing strong emotions is an experience worth seeking out. Usually everyday is mundane and dull and can make you apathetic (at least for someone low energy like me) so occasionally getting reminded that you can still care to the degree that it makes you cry is refreshing. Also the act of crying itself can be enjoyable or even cleansing. It doesn't even have to be because of pure sadness. Usually the really depressing stuff just makes me stare at the screen with a blank expression and it's more the bittersweet scenes or the heartwarming conclusions to sad stories that make me cry. The scenes where you have a little bit of both. Someone having an emotional revelation after suffering a tragedy, that kind of thing. But the point is I don't care what made me cry, if it works it works and it'll always be a plus for me because there's not really anything else that makes me cry so I only get that experience from anime. |
| I probably regret this post by now. |
Deknijff said: Soriki said: I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUE_Lr5IhvU I never thought I'd be enlightened by South park. My thanks. *bow* m(._.)m |
Nordish_Fabsters said: Sorry to say but I don't think I'll be able to give you an in-depth answer, I don't fully know myself. I'll use Clanand as my example as it is my favourite anime and is probably the best example I can think of for a tragic anime. I think it's the enjoyment of watching a character mature and develop as a person, following them from the beginning of your encounter and experiencing their life alongside them, both the good and bad. It makes the character more relatable and overall human, the same goes with the actual show. People also want to experience a story which isn't your standard happy ending, to break away from the norm and experience something different which challenges our expectations of what a realistic story is. It's likely that more people seek out sadness and tragedy, as these emotions aren't often experienced in life, People watch shows like Clannad, simply because they want to feel something and invoke emotions in themselves. There is also this unexplainable feeling I can only describe as a "thrill" when experiencing tragedy, or crying your eyes out for seven episodes straight. I guess I somehow feel more fulfilled watching a show like Clannad, over a generic shounen/comedy. It has added something to your life, an experience which made you contemplate your own life and emotional state. No no no no! I love Clannad! I'm unable to pick ONE favorite Anime, so if I could it would be one of them!. It's the first Anime and one of the few that made me cry, in fact it was the one that made me cry the most out of the very few. But here's the thing, yes, watching the character struggle through and all of that is completely fine, I love that too, but.. Here's the thing. I'm referring to truly sad, tragic Animes (Oops, had to edit this in, I'm not saying Clannad is as sad as those unamed Animes I'm reffering to, no, no, no, no, just incase someone thought I was saying that, I just meant that as the "No-Happy-Ending-Only-Get-Heart-And-Mind-Drilled-Emotionally" Anime", the proof of this is my downpour of tears when I watched it years ago (┳Д┳) ), that have absolutely no happy ending. Just something terrible happens, and that's where it ends, I'm asking what do the people who watch these enjoy in feeling sad. This is not Romeo and Juliet where you can justify it, or the beautiful Clannad that makes you feel really happy.. My god did that Anime make me emotional. It broke my Anime virgin emotion box, which had previously only felt Shounen and Comedy ;-; and then it healed it and made me extremely happy for the characters (not gonna spoil) after everything had gone back to being wonderful (;﹏;) (つ﹏<。) |
Soriki said: South Park can be pretty smart at times and Im glad I could be of helpI never thought I'd be enlightened by South park. My thanks. *bow* m(._.)m |
|
| https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis I think it works out more in tragedy than in other genres, im not a sucker for it either. |
 Oshii is probably the only director that loves dogs. He thinks he's a dog himself. That's right, its slime! It will dissolve your clothing slowly before my eyes! |
Deknijff said: Soriki said: South Park can be pretty smart at times and Im glad I could be of helpI never thought I'd be enlightened by South park. My thanks. *bow* m(._.)m Just in case, I don't think you think this but, I want to make sure so no confusion arises. I didn't mean to say it wasn't smart or anything like that, I quite like it! I never really actively watched it for no reason in particular, so I was just kinda surprised, although from time to time you would get those lessons and monologues from characters. Thanks again (＾ω＾)! Sorry if that comes out as insulting or what not, I'm new to this whole communicating my thoughts through forum posts, not my intention to accidentally offend anyone (◎_◎;) |
HamburgerSpike said: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis I think it works out more in tragedy than in other genres, im not a sucker for it either. WoW this is really interesting! Thanks for taking the time to share it ^U^! |
15poundfish said: Tragedy anime tend to have higher stakes conflict which makes it more entertaining. Most sad anime are rarely sad by the end because they have bitter sweet endings. The only anime that seemed to go all the way with its tragedy was grave of fire flies. Hmmmmm, I don't really watch these type of Anime, I'm pointing out some un-named Anime out there which happen to fit the description of the ones I'm referring to, sorry if I clumped them together ;=; Yeah, after all, if it's going to be tragic/emotionally impactful it must really have some high stakes compared to different Anime to catch the viewers attention! and wallet X3! Or PayPal ( >u>) |
Soriki said: no problem man Deknijff said: Just in case, I don't think you think this but, I want to make sure so no confusion arises. I didn't mean to say it wasn't smart or anything like that, I quite like it! I never really actively watched it for no reason in particular, so I was just kinda surprised, although from time to time you would get those lessons and monologues from characters. Thanks again (＾ω＾)!South Park can be pretty smart at times and Im glad I could be of help Sorry if that comes out as insulting or what not, I'm new to this whole communicating my thoughts through forum posts, not my intention to accidentally offend anyone (◎_◎;)  and as you said I didn't take it like that so you have nothing to worry about |
|
Shuichi2 said: It's not something I would choose to read, probably only in horror. But I think it's also because a lot of manga/anime are sickly sweet so sometimes it's nice to see something with a bad ending for a change. Yeah, it seems some people are interested in the changeup these type of Anime can offer to the usual Anime they watch, makes a lot of sense \(^-^)/ |
| Bad Romaji Incoming (Put up with me pls eue) Minasan! Domo Arigato Neee! (Excuse my terrible Romaji made up in the spot xd) Hey don't look at me like that! I'm just saying thanks xD It's been really helpful, didn't think my messy post-question would've gotten me so much help in this confusing manner that I was completely ignorant of :D and don't take it like I think I know everything now tho! I won't assume this all there is to it, I've learned this with the help of my Teacher. Which teases me with a lot of false info (⋟﹏⋞)! Intanetto-Sensei d( ･ω´･+)! *Kewl Eye Shine* Poshweeeen xd! |
LVL1GoblinFeb 5, 2017 2:39 PM
| I don't completely understand it myself, even though I actively seek out and prefer manga/anime that I know are really sad&tragic or end sadly/tragically. Most of all of my favorite characters in any form (anime/books/games/tv shows/etc) are generally depressed&sad people deep down, or have sad/depressing reasons for doing what they do. I think it's because there's a sort of beauty to overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, they're really strong emotions that I love to see characters go through, or for a story to be covered in. I just genuinely prefer sad/tragic stories because they draw out the most emotion in me, which makes me more interested in the story. & if it ends sadly, I'll think and talk about it longer. There are actually things I've read/watched that I wish had ended tragically, because the happy ending didn't satisfy me lolol. |
| I enjoy a good story. Is that not enough? |
hgpa said: I haven't been on MAL long but this is the first discussion that really drew me in as I've always wondered the same. Thanks OP. I prefer cute and funny anime. I've experienced enough emotions and tragedy for one lifetime so I really don't care for it in anime, movies, etc. As such I've been avoiding anime I do have some interest in, including Clannad, Anohana, etc. When I started watching Toradora I soon realized it wasn't what I signed up for but I absolutely loved it. Maybe I'll give these a chance. HGPA No problem! I hoped I could help someone, thank Kami-Sama I did ^U^! |
Any answer is fine, the more the better! (≡^∇^≡) |
Blaffie said: I don't completely understand it myself, even though I actively seek out and prefer manga/anime that I know are really sad&tragic or end sadly/tragically. Most of all of my favorite characters in any form (anime/books/games/tv shows/etc) are generally depressed&sad people deep down, or have sad/depressing reasons for doing what they do. I think it's because there's a sort of beauty to overwhelming sadness or hopelessness, they're really strong emotions that I love to see characters go through, or for a story to be covered in. I just genuinely prefer sad/tragic stories because they draw out the most emotion in me, which makes me more interested in the story. & if it ends sadly, I'll think and talk about it longer. There are actually things I've read/watched that I wish had ended tragically, because the happy ending didn't satisfy me lolol. Hehe wow that's a spicy ending to your reply there \(*≧▽≦)/ So do you like Dazai-san? or do you hate him in a roleplay-way but deeply like him cause you have a Chu-san picture ~ヾ(＾∇＾) hehehe |
Fjordviking said: I personally have a very hard time feeling compassion for people in real life so when I watch sad anime it helps me feel those emotions and they always tend to feel really powerful. The music is heartwarming as well (like in KEY anime, your lie in April, Anohana, etc.) and I continue to listen to the songs after I have finished the anime. The same cannot be said for the non sad anime I have seen. Not one time have I disliked an Anime song, but Animes like Clannad (aka done by KEY studio like you said ﾍ(=￣∇￣)ﾉ) (which is not at all like the type of Anime I'm referring to in my question) songs can have really hard emotional PANCHIIS! (Punches ( ´ ▽ ` ) ) I get what you mean ɾ⚈▿⚈ɹ |
| I don't really know how to explain but I kinda like when I get emotional.. I'm a very shy guy so I don't talk much, by watching sad animes I cry and make me feel better or something. Also when I'm sad I watch a sad anime to see that there are "people" in a worst position than me ^^ But yeah I just like to watch drama/romance animes, they're my favorite genre. |
caick1000 said: I don't really know how to explain but I kinda like when I get emotional.. I'm a very shy guy so I don't talk much, by watching sad animes I cry and make me feel better or something. Also when I'm sad I watch a sad anime to see that there are "people" in a worst position than me ^^ But yeah I just like to watch drama/romance animes, they're my favorite genre. Heh, I completely understand what you mean. But I'd rather not do a rushed response that sounds like I'm assuming the wrong things. You have a really nice reason Kono Yarou! ー( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ |
| You must have at least heard of Clannad : After Story and Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso. They both are one of the most sad/tragic anime I have ever seen and yet they both are in my favorite list. Not only that , they both are highly ranked and highly popular as well on MAL too. So why do people watch these kind of shows? For me , its because they have a high impact which I fail to see any many anime. Also, they have an epic plot line, serious character depth, they are memorable and most importantly they leave you a feeling which I can even describe. |
Soriki said: caick1000 said: I don't really know how to explain but I kinda like when I get emotional.. I'm a very shy guy so I don't talk much, by watching sad animes I cry and make me feel better or something. Also when I'm sad I watch a sad anime to see that there are "people" in a worst position than me ^^ But yeah I just like to watch drama/romance animes, they're my favorite genre. Heh, I completely understand what you mean. But I'd rather not do a rushed response that sounds like I'm assuming the wrong things. You have a really nice reason Kono Yarou! ー( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ Thanks ^^ I'm glad that you understood it :p |
| I get a sickening enjoyment out of watching others struggle. I mean, come on, I freaking go by the name "Insane". What the hell do you expect from me!? |
"I'd take rampant lesbianism over nuclear armageddon or a supervolcano any day." ~nikiforova |
| It is tragic because the story is sad and I feel so tragic because the premise is so sad. I teared-up because the characters were quite tragically saddened when their nakamas are dying quickly. Now ppl will see this as an excuse... Why you gotta say that for all the things you have to make an excuse of? Soriki said: I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? At times it's quite funny how characters tear-up/cry whenever one of their nakama died. Soriki said: I've had a similar question forever in my mind to people who like watching and/or playing/participating in scary stuff, the overall answer to that is adrenaline. Okay, what does it have to do with tragic plot lines? Aquamirror said: Usually sad stories explore the characters more deeply and display their thoughts around problems better which could give valuable information and help with understanding and dealing with them, or just make you look at stuff trough different angle. They also tend to be more realistic and the enjoyment comes more from seeing the struggles and coming to realisations. There aren't many stories that are 100% black bad ends, there's always something encouraging and looking at character fail and succeed is very emotionally fulfulling. 2deep4me So you basically fap? Like... What?! That's 2deep4me dude... Do you even have the sympathy for the ppl who can't comprehend this? |
_Ako_Feb 5, 2017 9:53 PM
Soriki said: I'm just curious, please don't see this as me insulting, and yes I acknowledge they're not the same things. Please excuse my ignorance on this topic. I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? I've had a similar question forever in my mind to people who like watching and/or playing/participating in scary stuff, the overall answer to that is adrenaline. So what would be in this case?. Sorry if I seem to be generalizing or making it sound like one simple thing. I was just wondering. I can understand watching something tragic that has a happy ending, but.. What is it that you like in watching something that doesn't have one?. I guess I mostly expect responses like "the execution of the story, etc" and more "technical" answers but.. I'm more so asking on an emotional standpoint, but if you do so wish to respond like that, go ahead, I just want to know how you feel. The reason is: The way it is put together. You need to watch Phantom. |
 |
Soriki said: I'm just curious, please don't see this as me insulting, and yes I acknowledge they're not the same things. Please excuse my ignorance on this topic. I'd like to know what you enjoy in seeing something that'll make you sad/depressed/etc? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catharsis - that feeling you have after watching a good tragedy. After the intense emotional storm, you're not feeling any emotions for a while. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schadenfreude - being happy that bad things happened to somebody else, that there is somebody else who is less fortunate than you. I think Catharsis is about sad anime, and Schadenfreude is about comedies where a tsundere or tsukkomi is beating up the MC all the time. |
More topics from this board
» Wikipedia's article on the harem genre is horrible and should be deleted ( 1 2 )Jeje2020 - Oct 3 |
65 |
by Zarutaku
»»
10 minutes ago |
|
» Crunchyroll Accused of Making their Subtitles Worse? ( 1 2 )LSSJ_Chloe - Oct 1 |
80 |
by Lucifrost
»»
15 minutes ago |
|
» Waifu War V5 (Anniversary-Edition!) (Round 1) ( 1 2 3 )TheMinkalex - Sep 28 |
122 |
by -YaoiBoy-
»»
27 minutes ago |
|
» Hot take: if you havent watched x amount thenBirdyTheMighty - 1 hour ago |
6 |
by Sasori56483
»»
49 minutes ago |
|
» What was your first favorite anime?Ms_Muffin - Yesterday |
25 |
by Sensual_Yuri_69
»»
1 hour ago |