What I will do on this topic will name a film that blew my mind First was The System(in the US was called Girl Getters) made in 1963. With Oliver Reed and Jane Merrow. Great Acting in it and after watching thought I should get Married which I did.
Watched 'Our House' again last night, been a couple of years - starring Doris Roberts A lovely thought provoking film
Actual impact? Had to be, In the heat of the Night, and Mississippi Burning..., and also Cathy Come Home ( good films not my favourites),...but certainly had the most impact I think... but I may remember others later... .
Cathy Come Home...... I think made a major impact on the sixties society in the UK and at the time changed a way of thinking.
It's true..I saw it in the 60's but I was only a child , but I saw it again in the 70's and I understood what it was all about, wow, there had been nothing like it in the UK until then.. and even to this day some people feel that despite the impact it had at the time, little in society has changed ...
Over the years too many to mention or I have forgotten ........ but one that stands out is Pans Labyrinth for it's sheer beauty and imagination and a recent one A Sense of an Ending all about unreliable memories, after watching it I was so impressed I bought the book...... I agree Cathy Come Home was certainly a groundbreaking film
I guess they happened too long ago as I don't remember any serious impressions. Although I was easily swayed so any old flick might have been impressive and brought pride, admiration, or tears, I can't recall a single movie. I'm a soft touch, so much so, that a re-read of Shane, a now classic western book and movie, brought tears to my eyes in a couple places, I'm really untrustworthy and unqualified to speak to your question.
I was young and I don't know about profound effect but there was a movie with Edward G Robinson that scared the heck out of me. I think it was called The Red Barn. It took me quite awhile to get over that one. The other one that got to me was a movie with Robert Mitchum where he played a preacher and followed this little boy and girl after he killed their mother.
I find as I have aged I have become more tearful at many happy or sad moments in life, my daughter's often say why are you crying dad, after they have told me something that has happened in their life. I weep a lot more easily at films these days, do you find this "soft touch" as you put it Bill has come on or increased with age?