100 Greatest Tear Jerkers, Saddest Films


  1. smith44
  2. Jeremy

Tearjerkers or Melodramas are a sub-type of drama films, characterized by a plot to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Often, film studies criticism used the term 'melodrama' pejoratively to connote an unrealistic, pathos-filled tales of romance or domestic situations with stereotypical characters that would directly appeal to feminine audiences ("weepies" or "woman's films"). Post-modern version of the "woman's film" - gal films or 'chick' flicks.

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  smith44's Rating My Rating
1
Imitation of Life 1959,  Unrated)
Imitation of Life
Saddest film I have ever seen, and that's saying a lot. A soul chilling look at life and love, this film is devestating, extreemly moving and ultimately a soul crushing tragedy. Winner of my Saddest Tearjerker Film.
2
Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella) 1997,  PG-13)
Life Is Beautiful (La Vita è bella)
One of the saddest, moving, masterpiece films I have ever seen. Once watched it will be locked in your memory forever holding the key, awaiting your return. Winner of my Top foreign language film.
3
Titanic (in 3D) 2012,  PG-13)
Titanic (in 3D)
The favorite film of my youth. Titanic broke my heart and keeps a piece still. 11 Academy Awards, Highest Grossing film ever. 'My Heart Will Go On' haunting soundtrack. Winner of my Greatest Disaster Films. Winner of mr Greatest Epics. Winner of my Best Film from the 1990's. Winner of my Greatest Romantic Period Film.
4
Bambi 1942,  G)
Bambi
One of the saddest moments in Disney movie history is when Bambi's mother dies. Not only that but the nameless responsible hunter was voted one of the greatest villians of all time, by the AFI. Truly a Disney Classic.
5
It's a Wonderful Life 1946,  G)
It's a Wonderful Life
One of the best films of all time. Christmas classic, Philosophical genius, each person's life touches many others. With the complex, engrossing, Everyman performance by Stewart as George Bailey. Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. Winner of my Top Family Film. Winner of my Most Inspirational Film. Winner of my Best Christmas Movies.
6
Brief Encounter 1945,  Unrated)
Brief Encounter
Breif Encounter is a beautiful film. One of the great love stories of the everyday which as the title suggest can happen in a brief moment and last a lifetime. This film involves one of the most heart-brakingly sad and yet stringly up-lifting endings ever. A classic in every sense.
7
La Strada (The Road) 1954,  PG)
La Strada (The Road)
La Strada, which is the Italian word for The Road. Fedrico Fellini's best film. La Strada won the Academy Award for Best foreign film, even though it is far better than most English films. I shall never forget Masina's face, the most remarkable of faces, she performs a moving protryal, and Quinn is egqually unforgettable both actors make the film crackle with their chemistry. La Stada is one of the most beautiful films and one of the most tragic films ever.
8
Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans 1927,  Unrated)
9
Brokeback Mountain 2005,  R)
Brokeback Mountain
Best Film of 2005. Possibly the greatest love story ever told. One of the few truly heart-braking films I have ever seen.
10
West Side Story 1961,  PG)
West Side Story
Generally considered to be one of the great Musicals made by Hollywood. Romeo and Juliet in 1950s New York, the best redition of an updated Shakespeare I have ever seen. The tale of Romeo and Juliet's undying love. With great songs like 'Somewhere' and 'America' and 'Tonight'. A Best Picture Classic.
11
Tokyo Story (Tôkyô monogatari) 1953,  Unrated)
12
Schindler's List 1993,  R)
Schindler's List
Spielberg's ultimate masterpiece, A profoundly shocking, disturbing film, like the nightmare that was the Holocaust.
13
To Kill A Mockingbird 1962,  Unrated)
To Kill A Mockingbird
The greatest hero ever Atticus Finch in the greatest courtroom drama ever. Lives up to Harper Lee's novel, which I was inspired to read after watching the film. We all need a lesson in compassion and the evils of prejudice from time to time, and it is here to give it. Robert Duvall is really scary as recluse Boo Radley. Winner of my Classic Courtroom Films.
14
An Affair to Remember 1957,  Unrated)
An Affair to Remember
Winner of my Top Chick Flicks.
15
Now, Voyager 1942,  Unrated)
Now, Voyager
"Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars.". Great Classic The strenght of the film lies both in the great love story and in the troubled childhood relationship with her mother and similar child.
16
Sophie's Choice 1982,  R)
Sophie's Choice
Not only Meryl Streep's greatest role, but quite possibly the greatest female lead role ever performed. An absolutely devastating film.
17
Steel Magnolias 1989,  PG)
18
Ordinary People 1980,  R)
Ordinary People
Crushingly powerful film. Acted to perfection by cast.
19
Little Women 1994,  PG)
20
City Lights 1931,  G)
City Lights
One of my new all-time favourite films. Has one of the best, most romantic tearful, endings ever. The best of the phenomeon that was Charlie Chaplin.
21
Penny Serenade 1941,  G)
22
Shadowlands 1993,  PG)
23
East of Eden 1955,  PG)
East of Eden
East of Eden is the first film my favourite actor James Dean ever stared in. His performance this film is in many ways his best, his most soulful, most vulnerable and most complex, but not his most iconic, which would have to be Rebel Without A Cause. Riveting, moody and brooding Dean personifies the loveless, sad young man that yearns for the love of his cold father. Every time you want to pull away you are pulled back. Utimately the film deals with the struggle of good and evil and the psychology of childhood development, which shows that a boy needs to connect with his father in order to develop properly. Indeed this film offers the most moving protrayal of this kind of circumstances and results. One of the reasons why Dean was so brilliant was that he was play himself, his own relationship with his father. This film reached out and spoked to me in a way that few films can. Yet wether or not you personally connect with this film, the film it self is enough to move you and have an impact. A classic and a truly heart braking film.
24
Dark Victory 1939,  Unrated)
25
Dumbo 1941,  G)
26
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial 1982,  PG)
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
Spielberg's very personal, heartwarming masterpiece, could almost be classic Disney. With it's portrayal of the love between a young, boy and a lost alien. E.T. "E.T. phone home.", Classic.
27
The Passion of the Christ 2004,  R)
28
Casablanca 1942,  PG)
Casablanca
My favorite film of all time, the Perfect Film. To me it represents everything a film should, i.e. the perfect film. The most quoted, and loved of films. A great love story, great action, mystery, suspence, sadness, comdey all in equal greatness. The greatest romantic drama of wartime sacrifice. The great Classic, with the classic song, "As Time Goes By" perfect cast, Bogart, Bergman, Rains, the Academy Award for Best Picture and more famous quotes than any other. "I think this is the begining of a beautiful friendship"and ".Here's looking at you, kid." and "Play it, Sam. Play 'As Time Goes By." and "Round up the usual suspects." and "We'll always have Paris." and "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine." Winner of my Best Film from the 1940's. Winner of my Top Romantic Films.
29
Breakfast at Tiffany's 1961,  PG)
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Although a classic and Audrey Hepburns definative role I feel that this film was lacking at times and pushing it at others. Some of the characters were flatly unrealistic, even Audrey's southern girl character just came off. And parts of the story dragged in it's own stupidity. Yet for all it's faults it is too moving and lovely not to be great. Most memorable song in a film, moonriver, and Audrey outside Tiffany's licking an ice-cream. With one of the greatest songs ever, the hauntingly beautiful 'Moon River'.
30
Rebel Without a Cause 1955,  Unrated)
Rebel Without a Cause
The best performance of James Dean's short legendary carrer. Rebel is by far the best 1950's film dealing with teenage rebellion. It seemed to define a generation of 1950s teenagers who felt lonely and isolated from their parents and sought solace with friends. It desperately wants to say something and doesn't know what it is. If anyone did know, it would lose its fascination. Winner of my Top Gay/Lesbian Themed Films.
31
Love Story 1970,  PG)
Love Story
"Love means never having to say you're sorry."
32
In the Gloaming 1997,  PG)
33
Romeo and Juliet 1968,  PG)
34
Million Dollar Baby 2004,  PG-13)
Million Dollar Baby
Best film of 2004, a masterpiece.
35
The Notebook 2004,  PG-13)
36
Dead Poets Society 1989,  PG)
Dead Poets Society
O Captain! My Captain! A film that can be uplifting, heart warming, moving and trgic but always unforgettable. "Carpe diem. Seize the day, boys. Make your lives extraordinary."
37
Anna Karenina 1997,  PG-13)
38
Braveheart 1995,  R)
39
Pan's Labyrinth 2006,  R)
Pan's Labyrinth
Best Film of 2006 and one of the best films of the 2000's decade.
40
La Vie en Rose (La Mome) 2007,  PG-13)
La Vie en Rose (La Mome)
A Grand Portrait of the Soulful Little Sparrow. La Vie en Rose is a grand historical drama and one of the best biographical films I have ever seen. From the cradle to the grave, through the blissful 'rose coloured' highs to the sorrowful heart-wrenching lows, of a great singer, artist and woman, Marion Cotillard gives us Edith Piaf a life and love, a passionate, wild drama for the ages. Marion Cotillard gives a performance of a lifetime, one that I would count amongst the best of the decade, her triumph at the Oscars I am almost certain of. Best Actress of 2007 is Marion Cotillard. Her lipsinking of Edith Piaf's edyfing songs is perfect, such songs as the beautiful title song, La Vie en Rose (Life in Pink) a song about seeing life through rose coloured glasses, but the most soulful of all her songs, said to be her signature song Non, je ne regrette rien (No Regets) which the film ends with sums up everything about her life that words can say. An extreemly powerful moving experience not to be missed.
41
Gallipoli 1981,  PG)
Gallipoli
Australian Classic, by great director Peter Weir. Portraying a moumentus moment in Australian history, the tragic event of Gapllipoli and the change in feeling toward Britian. A must see imporant film. Winner of my Top Australian Films.
42
Moulin Rouge! 2001,  PG-13)
Moulin Rouge!
Baz Luhrman uniquely quirky and unconventional has revived and reinvented the muscial genre with his Moulin Rogue. Beautiful music and visually stunning. The songs "Diamonds are a girl's Best Friend" and more importantly "Come What May" make the film fantastically enjoyable. A great love story and an even great musical.
43
The Truman Show 1998,  PG)
The Truman Show
An Intellectual masterpiece. The story of a lifetime. Provokes deep thought on important issues. How will it end? Simply genius, In a better world everyone would watch and think about this film.
44
The Shawshank Redemption 1994,  R)
The Shawshank Redemption
Shawshank Redemption is a Masterpiece. What struck me more than anything after watching the film, was how inspirational and philosophical it was, a modern Christian parable with true Christian principles, hope, salvation and redemption. In my belife the greatest films all acomplish the same thing, go transcend the escapism, the entertainment and the artificiality that most films are prone to and become a form of teaching, philosophy or guide to our everyday lives. The audience can take something with them out of the theatre into their personal lives and use it to battle the troubles and situations they faced. Shawshank Redemption is one such film. It's suberb acting, easy going 'let me tell you a story' mood and it's inspirational story cement it as a film without measure, as if taken from old Hollywood and mixed with modern events. One of the greatest films I have ever seen. "Get busy living or get busy dying that's goddamn right."
45
The Elephant Man 1980,  PG)
46
Finding Neverland 2004,  PG)
Finding Neverland
A return to classic cinema. I loved this film.
47
Bridge to Terabithia 2007,  PG)
Bridge to Terabithia
One of my most loved books as a child is faithfully adapted into a heart-braking family, fantasy that simply soars. Reading this book years ago as a child, I was moved to tears and it became one of my most cherished literary experiences. As such I had very low expectations for an adaptation that would be true to the book and would evoke the same emotions. Having seen it I was overjoyed and cried almost as much when I read the book all those years ago. Capturing the same fantasy and youthful imagination of the book without going overboard and whlist never losing touch with reality. As in the book the gap between the real world and the fantasy world of Terabithia are only a rope swing away. "Keep your eyes closed but your imagination wide open" Leslie says. However it is not the fantasy that makes this film and book great, it is the devestating tragedy that triumphs. A beautiful story of friendship and imagination but at it's heart a crushing story but life and loss mingled with hope. Bridge To Terrabithia is a family film, a fantasy an adventure but most of all a soaring tear jerker.
48
The Song of Bernadette 1943,  Unrated)
The Song of Bernadette
Great Spiritual Film.
49
Goodbye, Mr. Chips 1939,  Unrated)
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Arthur Chipping is certianly one of the greatest heros ever to grace the screen, played by Robert Donat in his Oscar winning perfromance. Goodbye Mr. Chips is an unsung classic, a golden tearjerker, a deeply affecting movie. One of my new favourities.
50
Gosford Park 2001,  R)
Gosford Park
Robert Altman is the master. The film is a masterpeice. Maggie Smith is perfect as always. Story, dialogue and chraracters give a whole new meaning to the Whodunit genre.
51
The Wizard of Oz 1939,  G)
The Wizard of Oz
"Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high, There's a land that I heard of, Once in a lullaby, Somewhere over the rainbow, Skies are blue, And the dreams that you dare to dream, Really do come true." Simply the stuff that dreams are made of. The ageless, timeless words of the dreams of the young and the old, a dream that everyone is familiar with and surely has dreamt of once in their lifetime. The Wizard of Oz is a very much like a dream that really does come true. The ultimate family, fairytale and fantasy film that is universally loved and cherished. The journey down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wizard of Oz that tapped into the deep dreams and imagination of generations from the 1930s to today. A journey that made Judy Garland a star, along with the great characters of Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. A journey through the magical Technicolor Land of Oz, that made Hollywood the dream factory that it is famous for. A journey that reminds us that there is "There's no place like home," entered upon the world's cultural consciousness. Perennially ranked among the top ten best movies of all-time in various critics' and popular polls, and has provided as many indelible quotes such as: "Toto, I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore," "There's no place like home" and "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!" Yet more than anything in the film it's signature song "Somewhere over the rainbow," sung soulfully by the young Judy Garland and voted the greatest movie song of all time by the AFI, is what makes the Wizard of Oz one of the greatest films of all time. Winner of my Greatest Song Films.
52
Roman Holiday 1953,  Unrated)
Roman Holiday
My first oversaes trip was to Rome, Italy and no other film could capture the feeling of Rome, or indeed travel in general than Roman Holiday. So much is this film loved by myself and my family that it has practically become part of our personal history. No matter how I may be feeling Roman Holiday always puts a smile on my face and makes me cry. The breakout Oscar winning performance of Audrey Hepburn, one of my all time favourite actresses and the ideal leading man role of Gregory Peck truly make the film what it is. My favourite scene, by far is the Mouth of Truth visit where Peck actually improvised an unscripted moment when he pretended to have his hand eaten off, always makes me laugh."I don't know how to say goodbye. I can't think of any words. Don't try."
53
The Pianist 2002,  R)
The Pianist
Schindler's List, the ultimate holocast drama, was told from the viewpoint of Oscar Schindler the anti-hero no-jew who becomes their saviour, whereas The Pianist is told solely and intimately from the viewpoint of a Jewish pianist in the Warsaw ghetto. Adrien Brody is shateringly powerful in his meek silence, deserving of his Oscar. The Pianist is haunting, the scene in which the SS officer has him play the piano is one of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen. An essential film.
54
Fantasia 1940,  G)
Fantasia
The Disney Triumphant masterpiece. Each of the eight segments are genius giving new life to the classical greats. The Sorceror's Apprentice with micky, The Nutcracker, Waltz of the flowers and so much more.
55
The Lion King 1994,  G)
The Lion King
A Modern Disney Classic. Favorite Musical of all who see it. The highest grossing animated film ever! Based on Shakespeare's Hamlet, with unforgettable visuals, and tunes like 'Hakuna Matata' make this an all time Disney masterpeice.
56
The Miracle Worker 1962,  Unrated)
The Miracle Worker
Brilliantly acted and confronting
57
The 400 Blows (Les Quatre cents coups) 1959,  Unrated)
58
Cinderella Man 2005,  PG-13)
Cinderella Man
One of the better Boxing films I have seen. Russell Crowe's is impressive.
59
Crash 2005,  R)
Crash
Dealing with racism and, in my opinion, the culture of fear in which we all live. A truly tragic, provocative and thought-provoking look at society. One of the best films of 2005.
60
Into the Wild 2007,  R)
Into the Wild
My Favourite Film of 2007. Watching this film is akin to a spiritual experience. Changed my life.
61
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days 2005,  PG)
62
Captains Courageous 1937,  G)
63
Saving Private Ryan 1998,  R)
64
The Grapes of Wrath 1940,  Unrated)
The Grapes of Wrath
"Wherever there's a fight so hungry people can eat, I'll be there."
65
Umberto D. 1952,  Unrated)
66
On the Waterfront 1954,  Unrated)
On the Waterfront
Crushing Classic, the Great Gritty drama of union corruption memorable, mainly, for Brando's best performance. The end scene on the docks is unforgettable. A must see Classic. Won Best Picture. "You don't understand! I coulda had class. I coulda been a contender. I could've been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am."
67
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof 1958,  Unrated)
68
Sense and Sensibility 1995,  PG)
Sense and Sensibility
Completely encasing and entoxicating with it's beauty and simplicity. However the praise should go to Jane Austen
69
My Own Private Idaho 1991,  R)
70
Latter Days 2004,  R)
71
Children of Men 2006,  R)
Children of Men
The defining film of the 2000's decade. One of the greatest dystopian sci fi films of all time. This film will echo through time as its significance becomes clearer. A film yearning with detail for the intelligent viewer. With birth rates falling in the world today a future without children is an ironic and fascinating prospect. A film that lures as a sci fi thriller and captures you as an almost unbearably bleak nightmare. The best cinematography of the year creates one of the clearest and darkest visions into the future ever put to film. Thought provoking and unforgettable, Children of Men will have your mind feasting with questions and wonders long after the credits. Loved this film so much it convinced me to read the book. No other film has captured the 2000 decade more than Children Of Men.
72
Far From Heaven 2002,  PG-13)
Far From Heaven
Far From Heaven is a beautiful and fascinating story of Julian Morre as a 50s 'perfect world' suburban housewife watching her marriage fall apart and falling in love with her gardener. This film captures the mood and style of the 50's era, conservative, charming, niaive and deeply divided. A film that will remain a classic.
73
Hamlet 1996,  PG-13)
Hamlet
The best Hamlet adaptation after Laurence Olivier's edition.
74
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King 2003,  PG-13)
The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King
Greatest film of the 2000's decade. End to the best saga of the age. 11 Academy Awards, second highest grossing film worldwide. Winner of my Best of the Decade 2000- and Top Film of 2003. J.R. Tolkein's epic literary masterpeice is matched by Peter Jackson's epic film masterpeice.
75
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 1939,  Unrated)
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
A more Patrotic film you will not find. One of Capra's best ever. A gripping, exhilarating drama. Attacks the corrupt powerful political machine of Washington politics full on. The end secene is riveting, stirring and triumphant.
76
The Sixth Sense 1999,  PG-13)
The Sixth Sense
"I see dead people" Scared the living hell out of me. Haley Joel Osment was perfect in his role, as was Bruce Willis. The twist at the end was the most surprising twist I could imagine. I also liked this film because of it's philosphical connotations with regards to life after death, etc... Winner of my Top Supernatural Films.
77
What's Eating Gilbert Grape 1993,  PG-13)
78
Midnight Cowboy 1969,  R)
Midnight Cowboy
"I'm walking here! I'm walking here!"
79
Rain Man 1988,  R)
80
Paths of Glory 1957,  Unrated)
81
Five Easy Pieces 1970,  R)
Five Easy Pieces
One of the best films from the 70's. The Existential dilema, what is my vocation in life, a film about the social divide in America, the lives of the middle Americans and the lives of the intellectuals. With and unbelieveably powerful portryal from Nicholson, this film becomes a great through it's characters and it's heartbraking intensity. Nicholson is one of the most unforgettable characters in American movies. For nothing else this film is worth seeing for the pleasure of watching Jack Nicholson unable to gat an order of toast.
82
The Remains of the Day 1993,  PG)
83
Three Colors: Blue (Trois Couleurs: Bleu) 1993,  R)
84
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 1937,  G)
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Mirror, mirror on the wall which is the best Disney of all? Snow White is. Disney's first and greatest film is the purest of gold from the golden age of Walt Disney. With one the greatest Disney songs, 'Some Day My Prince Will Come'. An absolute Classic. Winner of my Greatest Film Kiss.
85
Doctor Zhivago 1965,  PG-13)
Doctor Zhivago
From Pasternak's sweeping epic novel, set in the World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution It's strenght lies in it's portraal of the realities of life in Russia after the 1917 Communist Revolution. The most memorable thing of all is the romantic score.
86
Juno 2007,  PG-13)
87
Forrest Gump 1994,  PG-13)
Forrest Gump
A simple, kind man changes history. With flashbacks through some of the highlights of modern American history. It is such a fascinating story as he becomes central to the major events of the late 20th century. I thought it was very clever how, through the use of seamless digital visual imagery, Forrest appears to interact in scenes with famous historical people. "Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
88
Atonement 2007,  Unrated)
89
Tarnation 2003,  Unrated)
90
Toy Story 2 1999,  G)
91
Gone With the Wind 1939,  G)
Gone With the Wind
Gone With The Wind stands as the most enduring symbol of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Arguably the most loved film of all time and one of the greatest; Gone With The Wind is clearly one of filmdom's greatest cinematic achievements. Winner of ten Academy Awards including Best Picture, it broke the records and created one that would stand for many decades. It has sold more tickets than any other film in history and adjusting for inflation, the film is the highest grossing of all time. Scanning the South's tragic history during the Civil War and the Reconstruction period, told from the view of Scarlet O'Hara, Gone With The Wind is primarily a star-studded Civil War epic drama. However it is so much more than that, it is one of only two films that truly represent America, the other being The Godfather. Set during the time when the nation was forged it has become etched in the American cultural psyche. Gone With The Wind is about war, history, social class, politics, race, work, fashion, the land, language, religion, romance, relationships, death, gender roles, regional distinctions all seen through the lens of the American experience heightened by the "Immortal tale of the old South". Scarlet O'Hara, the indomitable, selfish, fiery Southern belle, played by Vivien Liegh in her greatest performance steals the show and creates a character that encapsulates a great leading lady performance. What makes her character as great as it is, is her twisted romance with Rhett Butler, Clarke Gable, culminating in the greatest line in movie history 'Frankly My Dear I don't give a damn'. It also includes other great lines such as "After all, tomorrow is another day!" and "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again." Pure classic, pure great, pure cinema. Winner of my Best Film from the 1930's.
92
Little Children 2006,  R)
93
Chinatown 1974,  R)
Chinatown
Cool, Intricate myster, revival of film noir. Roman Polanski's best film. Played brilliantly by private detective Nicholson. The unforgettable scene of sister/daughter the unbelieveable twists and turns and the memorable last line: "Forget it, Jake. It's Chinatown."
94
Goodbye, Children (Au Revoir Les Enfants) 1987,  PG)
95
In America 2003,  PG-13)
96
Stand by Me 1986,  R)
97
Edward Scissorhands 1990,  PG-13)
98
White Christmas 1954,  Unrated)
White Christmas
Great musical with my favourite song 'White Christmas' performed by Bing Crosby.
99
What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 1960,  Unrated)
100
Titanic 1953,  Unrated)

Comments (3)


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  1. rakitharam
    rakitharam posted 2 years ago

    add green mile to this list.

  2. penguinlordhp
    penguinlordhp posted 11 months ago

    add the godfather 3 that ending made me cry

  3. tireshredderjoe1
    tireshredderjoe1 posted 6 months ago

    Hi ,Brians Song was a real sad one

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