[smart (OP)]

Do you believe in the healing power of films? 

[chris]

I've never heard of such a concept in an official capacity, but there is no reason why films could be used as part of a CBT strategy or to help people to overcome certain problems.

[Colin2B]

I have read, but can't quote ref, that listening to music and reading a novel can give similar brainwaves to meditation.
I know running can also seem quite medetive sometimes. Don't see why various 'switch off' activities shouldn't be beneficial.

[smart (OP)]

Yesterday I watched "Jack Reacher: Never go back" and I cried at the end. For me watching a movie can be profoundly therapeutic, as it helps to evacuate emotional stress.

Like experiencing a lucid dream, it seem the dopaminergic system is deeply implicated in the emotional process of cinematherapy.

See: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16239763

[evan_au]

Watching a movie can get you out of the normal routine, and take you to places (or times, or emotional experiences) that you would not normally see.

Too much work is not good for you - or too much play, either!