Tumblr nancymartira submitted: This High School Senior had just finished making a speech at a school assembly, when she was surprised with a visit from her father, who had been serving overseas in Afghanistan for more than a year.  Every expression her face strains to conceal gets to me. Would cry again.

Video #14: “High School Senior Surprised by Her U.S. Soldier Father on Stage in Front of Packed Auditorium”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Nope, I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

It was sweet. The expression on her face did really say it all.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yeah, I understand why someone would be moved by this, but I dunno about crying…

Also, I think if I could have seen her face closer up, it might have had more of an effect on me?

Jen submits: I’m hysterically crying at my desk watching this video. These beagels see the sun and walk on grass for the first time.

Video #13: “Beagles See Sun and Grass for the First Time After a Life in a Laboratory”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I actually got close this time. The look in that first dog’s eyes when they opened the cage gave me a little heartache.

What did you feel while watching this video?

A subtle devastation.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Definitely.

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This clip from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” is particularly difficult because of the severe reality of the emotions behind it. Will Smith’s own father left him and his mother when he was a child and, as legend has it, this scene had previously been differently scripted. However at the breaking point where his dad walks out, Will let out all his pent up feelings. James Avery who played Uncle Phil described it as the hardest scene he ever had to act, and it is incredibly difficult to watch, particularly if one has experienced parental abandonment themselves. Breaking point: 0:59. If you haven’t broken by 1:26, tsk!

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This genuinely grateful child who understands how difficult it was for his mom to make this happen for him gives a glimmer of hope in this awful, cynical world. Also wonderful that there is something timeless and classic about how happy a new bike can make a kid. Life was so simple…

Video #11: “BoyGetsNewBike-HISAmazing REACTION- Bonnie Hunt Show.flv”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No tears, but what a sweet kid!

What did you feel while watching this video?

Awed by his gratitude. Worried that I was a selfish brat as a kid.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Sure.

Jen says: It’s called “Saying Goodbye to Mother”, enough said.

Video #10: “Saying Goodbye To Mother”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Nope.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Well I thought it was sweet and sad.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but I’m realizing that the issue is perhaps that I need some context for the tears to occur. I am not particularly moved by these strangers loving each other. I don’t know or connect with the people in this video.

Meredith says: Pippa. PIPPA. WEEP.

Video #9:”Seeing my dog the day I got back from Afghanistan”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No, definitely not.

That dog is crazy.

I mean. Again, it’s cute that the dog loves and recognizes its owner, and is squeaking around about it. It just doesn’t move me.

Jen says: Some fodder for Pippa’s tearducts.

Video #8: “Kristen Bell’s Sloth Meltdown”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

You’re kidding, right? Hysterical laughter.  I didn’t really like Kristen Bell until this moment.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Thrilled. Playful.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but not to tears.

Emily says: Pippa—the kids! Singing!  A cheesy pop song takes on a whole new resonance! the innocence!

Video #6: “PS22 Chorus “VIVA LA VIDA” Coldplay (acoustic guitar version)”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Oh man, I didn’t, but that was beautiful! Their version is way better than Coldplay’s.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I loved this. I felt uplifted. The children!

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but again, no tears, only joy.

p.s. I liked the girls who were doing the hand-on-the-chest-singin’-ma’-best movements.

Tumblr thethirdway submits: I don’t even know if I “think” this is moving, I just know that it once decimated the office of a local arts non-profit which shall not be named.

Video #5: “Say Marimo”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I felt a stirring in my heart. There were some aspects of the video I found a little weird, but I would definitely say I was moved by Marimo and Mika’s relationship. The last scene was quite bittersweet.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but the video is trying very hard to produce tears in its viewer.