I know that my skills with having empathy are close to non existent. My childhood and upbringing are the reasons why which I already know. I will say though that I think if you are watching a movie and get sad with a character there are other reasons than empathy. Possibly you relate to what is happening and the feelings are brought out from the things you hold deep inside. I get upset when I see bad things happening to children, it bothers me very much and makes me extremely angry and sad. It could be because we see our own hurts and troubles in these characters. As far as empathy I cannot understand others emotions and feelings really at all. I go blank inside when my wife tries to explain her feelings of bother and hurt. I can also become annoyed and completely non understanding which isn't right but it is what it is. Do I have empathy? NO!! Do I have emotions? I DO I am pretty fu%^ing deep to the point many cannot understand. Our great friend SAM wrote about not being able to listen to music because of the effects it has on him. I can so relate to that except that I love to listen to music, it controls my moods in a way (may sound nuts to some). My wife knows it all too well, when she hears what I am listening too she knows where my mind is. Music gives me my emotions, take the song out of that sad part you cry over in these movies and you probably wont be so sad. I know I wouldn't be.