Finding humor when life hits you with the worst, that’s what “50/50” is all about. Being able to laugh at misfortune doesn’t necessarily mean that we’re diminishing a tragedy’s importance or ignoring the feelings this is how Will Reiser wrote the story inspired by a true story.

The comedy centered around Adam Lerner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a 27-year-old man who learns of his cancer diagnosis, and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease. Adam has a fairly good life, a great job, and a girlfriend. He seems to have it all. When Adam finds out that he has cancer, his life turns around.

It is a heartbreaking movie because it takes Adam becoming sick with cancer and to realize what’s behind the “great” life he had. Before he can process the reality of cancer, his chemotherapy treatment starts. His family, girlfriend and friends struggle to deal with this too.

While everyone tries to deal with this, Adam’s best friend Seth Rogen does his best to keep things different and out of his usual lifestyle. “50/50” is definitely about celebrating life, and getting the best out of it. It’s about achieving laughter through tears.