“The Family Stone”, 2005
Director: Thomas Bezucha
This film delves into the complex dynamics of the Stone family when the eldest son brings his uptight girlfriend home for Christmas. It explores themes of acceptance, love, and the bonds that tie a family together, whether by blood or by choice.
Starring: Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Tyrone Giordano, Brian J. White, Elizabeth Reaser;
Production year: 2005;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 103 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,3;
More information about the film “The Family Stone” on the website imdb.com
“Guardians of the Galaxy”, 2014
Director: James Gunn
A group of intergalactic misfits come together under unexpected circumstances. Through their adventures, they form a close-knit bond that resembles a family, proving that solidarity and affection can emerge even in the far reaches of the galaxy.
Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Lee Pace, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Glenn Close, Djimon Hounsou;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: science fiction, action, adventure, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” on the website imdb.com
“Found”, 2023
Director: Nikhil Paniz, Michael Schultz, DeMane Davis, Jessika Borsiczky, Keesha Sharp
This documentary follows three adopted American teenage girls who discover that they are blood-related cousins. Their journey to China in search of personal and cultural identity redefines their understanding of family, both given and chosen.
Starring: Shanola Hampton, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta, Karan Oberoi, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Azaria Carter, Anisa Nyell Johnson, Jasmine Washington;
Production year: 2023;
Genre: drama, crime, detective;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
More information about the film “Found” on the website imdb.com
“Little Miss Sunshine”, 2006
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
A dysfunctional family takes a road trip to support the youngest member's dream of competing in a beauty pageant. Along the way, they face multiple challenges that ultimately bring them closer together, showcasing the untraditional yet unbreakable bonds of their chosen family.
Starring: Abigail Breslin, Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette, Paul Dano, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, Bryan Cranston, Dean Norris, Julio Oscar Mechoso, Marc Turtletaub;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Little Miss Sunshine” on the website imdb.com
“The Breakfast Club”, 1985
Director: John Hughes
Five high school students from different walks of life endure a Saturday detention under a power-hungry principal. The shared experience breaks down their initial stereotypes and prejudices, forming a unique bond that highlights the concept of chosen family within a single day.
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Ally Sheedy, Paul Gleason, John Kapelos, Perry Crawford, Mary Christian, Ron Dean;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “The Breakfast Club” on the website imdb.com
“The Blind Side”, 2009
Director: John Lee Hancock
Based on a true story, this film follows Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who is taken in by the Tuohy family. They provide him with the love and support needed to overcome his troubled past, emphasizing the power of compassion and the formation of a chosen family that changes his life.
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Jae Head, Lily Collins, Ray McKinnon, Kim Dickens, Adriane Lenox, Kathy Bates, Catherine Dyer;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: drama, sport, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 129 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “The Blind Side” on the website imdb.com
“St. Vincent”, 2014
Director: Theodore Melfi
A young boy, neglected by his divorced parents, forms an unlikely friendship with the misanthropic, bawdy Vietnam War veteran next door. Through their friendship, they create a unique, chosen family bond, filled with humor and heart.
Starring: Bill Murray, Jaeden Martell, Melissa McCarthy, Naomi Watts, Chris O'Dowd, Terrence Howard, Kimberly Quinn, Lenny Venito, Nate Corddry, Dario Barosso;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “St. Vincent” on the website imdb.com
“Finding Forrester”, 2000
Director: Gus Van Sant
A young, talented writer forms a bond with a reclusive novelist, Forrester. Their friendship transcends generational and cultural differences, highlighting the powerful and transformative nature of chosen familial relationships.
Starring: Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin, Busta Rhymes, April Grace, Michael Pitt, Michael Nouri, Richard Easton, Glenn Fitzgerald;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 131 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Finding Forrester” on the website imdb.com
These films beautifully illustrate that the concept of family extends far beyond genetic ties, celebrating the unconventional yet profound connections that can profoundly impact our lives.
In conclusion, films about chosen families tap into the profound realization that the bonds of love, support, and understanding can form outside the confines of biological ties, celebrating the diversity and richness of human connections. Through their narratives, these films not only challenge traditional perceptions of family but also offer a heartwarming reflection on the human condition, showcasing the many ways individuals come together to form enduring bonds. Whether it be through shared experiences, mutual respect, or simply the need to belong, the portrayal of chosen families in cinema stands as a testament to the idea that family can be found in the most unexpected places. This genre, with its universal themes of acceptance, resilience, and the innate human desire for connection, continues to resonate deeply with audiences around the world, affirming the timeless message that, in the end, love is what truly defines a family.
