Arranged marriages have served as a rich narrative foundation for countless films across the globe, blending drama, romance, and cultural explorations into captivating stories. These films often delve into the complexity of tradition vs. individual choice, the dynamics of relationships formed under societal pressures, and the journey of characters as they navigate the path laid out by their families. From heartwarming tales of unexpected love to critical looks at societal norms, films about arranged marriage offer a diverse range of perspectives on this age-old practice, making them compelling additions to world cinema.
“Monsoon Wedding”, 2001
Director: Mira Nair
This vibrant film, directed by Mira Nair, explores the chaos, complexities, and traditions of a Punjabi Hindu wedding in Delhi. As the Verma family prepares for the arranged marriage of their daughter, secrets and personal revelations bring depth to the narrative, showcasing the bittersweet aspects of cultural expectations and personal desires.
Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Lillete Dubey, Shefali Shah, Vijay Raaz, Tillotama Shome, Vasundhara Das, Parvin Dabas, Kulbhushan Kharbanda, Kamini Khanna, Rajat Kapoor;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 114 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Monsoon Wedding” on the website imdb.com
“The Big Sick”, 2017
Director: Michael Showalter
A romantic comedy based on the real-life courtship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. Kumail, dealing with the cultural expectations of his Pakistani Muslim family, finds himself in a difficult position as he falls in love with Emily, an American graduate student, despite his family's efforts to arrange a marriage for him.
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano, Anupam Kher, Zenobia Shroff, Adeel Akhtar, Bo Burnham, Aidy Bryant, Kurt Braunohler;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 120 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “The Big Sick” on the website imdb.com
“Fiddler on the Roof”, 1971
Director: Norman Jewison
Set in the pre-revolutionary Russia of 1905, this classic film adaptation of the Broadway musical tells the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, and his five daughters. As Tevye navigates the changing tides of tradition, particularly regarding his daughters' marriages, the film delves into themes of family, faith, and the struggle between old customs and new societal norms.
Starring: Chaim Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, Paul Mann, Rosalind Harris, Michele Marsh, Neva Small, Paul Michael Glaser, Ray Lovelock;
Production year: 1971;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, family;
MPAA rating: g;
Duration: 181 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Fiddler on the Roof” on the website imdb.com
“Bend It Like Beckham”, 2002
Director: Gurinder Chadha
This British comedy-drama, directed by Gurinder Chadha, follows Jess, a British-Indian girl with dreams of becoming a footballer, much to the dismay of her traditional Sikh parents who are more focused on finding her a suitable husband through an arranged marriage. It's a spirited exploration of cultural identity, dreams, and the clash between tradition and ambition.
Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi, Shaznay Lewis, Frank Harper, Juliet Stevenson, Shaheen Khan, Ameet Chana;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy, sport;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
“Water”, 2005
Director: Deepa Mehta
Directed by Deepa Mehta, this film is set in 1938 Colonial India against the backdrop of Mahatma Gandhi's rise. It focuses on the lives of widows at an ashram and touches on the subject of child marriage, exploring the intersection of religion, tradition, and the plight of widowed women in society.
Starring: Sarala, Buddhi Wickrama, Rinsly Weerarathne, Iranganie Serasinghe, Hermantha Gamage, Ronica Sajnani, Manorama, Rishma Malik, Meera Biswas, Vidula Javalgekar;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Water” on the website imdb.com
“Arranged”, 2007
Director: Diane Crespo, Stefan C. Schaefer
This film tells the heartwarming story of Rochel, an Orthodox Jew, and Nasira, a Muslim, who are both first-year teachers at a public school in Brooklyn. Despite their distinctly different backgrounds, they form a deep bond over their shared experience of going through the process of arranged marriages.
Starring: Zoe Lister-Jones, Francis Benhamou, Mimi Lieber, John Rothman, Sarah Lord, Trevor Braun, Doris Belack, Laith Nakli, Jason Liebman, Marcia Jean Kurtz;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Arranged” on the website imdb.com
“Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!”, 1994
Director: Sooraj R. Barjatya
A landmark in Indian cinema, this film directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, centers around the arranged marriage between Prem and Nisha. As they navigate through familial responsibilities and personal feelings, the film beautifully captures the essence of Indian family values, traditions, and the concept of arranged marriages.
Starring: Madhuri Dixit, Salman Khan, Mohnish Behl, Renuka Shahane, Alok Nath, Anupam Kher, Reema Lagoo, Bindu Desai, Ajit Vachani, Satish Shah;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, comedy;
Age: 12+;
Duration: 206 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” on the website imdb.com
These films, diverse in their storytelling and geographical representation, offer a nuanced look into the lives of individuals influenced by the tradition of arranged marriage, making them essential viewing for those interested in the complexities of love, family, and cultural obligations.
Arranged marriages, a theme as old as society itself, continue to inspire filmmakers, weaving narratives that navigate the interplay between tradition and personal freedom. Films about arranged marriages often unravel in a rich tapestry of emotions, exploring the intricate dynamics of familial obligations, societal pressures, and the universal quest for love and identity. Whether through the lens of comedy, drama, or tragedy, these films serve as powerful reflections on the complexities of human relationships, challenging viewers to contemplate the meaning of love, choice, and happiness in the context of cultural norms and individual desires. As cinema evolves, the portrayal of arranged marriages remains a compelling narrative device, offering insights not only into the characters' lives but also mirroring the changing perspectives on marriage and companionship in diverse cultures around the world.
