melodrama

Melodrama originally referred to "a drama accompanied by music," this is a film characterized by expressive plots with strong and intensified emotion, often with elements of pathos, illness and hardship. Called "women's films" or "weepies" (tearjerkers) during the 1940s. Also known as "meller." Sometimes used disparagingly to describe films that are manipulative and crudely appeal to emotions. See also "chick flicks."