In the realm of cinema, characters often face trials that test their resolve and strength of character. However, some of the most poignant and relatable stories are those where the protagonists are defined by their lack of fortitude, their hesitance, or their inability to stand firm in the face of adversity. This curated list of drama films delves into the lives of individuals who are, at their core, weak-willed. These films not only entertain but also offer a mirror to our own vulnerabilities, providing a cathartic experience through the exploration of human weakness.

The Ice Storm (1997)
Description: This film explores the lives of two families in the 1970s, where characters like Ben Hood exhibit a profound lack of willpower, leading to disastrous consequences.
Fact: The film is based on Rick Moody's novel of the same name and features a young Christina Ricci.


The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Description: Tom Ripley, portrayed by Matt Damon, is a character whose lack of moral fortitude leads him down a path of deception and murder.
Fact: The film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay.


The Hours (2002)
Description: Laura Brown, portrayed by Julianne Moore, is a character whose life is marked by her inability to assert herself, leading to a life of quiet desperation.
Fact: The film interweaves the stories of three women from different eras, all connected by Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway."


The Savages (2007)
Description: Wendy Savage, played by Laura Linney, is a playwright who lacks the strength to confront her own life's challenges, instead focusing on her brother's issues.
Fact: The film won the Silver Bear for Best Actress for Laura Linney at the Berlin International Film Festival.


Revolutionary Road (2008)
Description: Frank Wheeler, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, embodies the struggle of a man who lacks the courage to break free from societal expectations, leading to a tragic unraveling of his life.
Fact: The film was directed by Sam Mendes, who is known for his ability to portray complex human relationships.


The Reader (2008)
Description: Michael Berg, played by David Kross, is a young man whose life is profoundly affected by his relationship with an older woman, revealing his own moral and emotional weaknesses.
Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Kate Winslet.


The Descendants (2011)
Description: Matt King, portrayed by George Clooney, is a man who has to deal with his wife's infidelity and her impending death, revealing his own weaknesses in the process.
Fact: The film was adapted from Kaui Hart Hemmings' novel and won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.


An Education (2009)
Description: Jenny, a young girl in 1960s London, is easily swayed by an older man's charm, showcasing her naivety and lack of willpower.
Fact: Carey Mulligan's performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.


A Single Man (2009)
Description: George Falconer, played by Colin Firth, is a man struggling with grief and the will to live, showcasing his emotional fragility.
Fact: This was the directorial debut of fashion designer Tom Ford, and Firth's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.


The Great Gatsby (2013)
Description: This adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel features Nick Carraway, who is often seen as a passive observer, lacking the will to intervene in the tragic events unfolding around him.
Fact: The film was shot in 3D, and Leonardo DiCaprio was the first actor to portray Gatsby in a 3D film.
