Films about culture often delve into the traditions, values, and practices of different societies, providing a window into the unique ways in which human beings understand the world and express themselves. These films can explore anything from cultural clashes, the preservation of heritage, to the personal journeys of individuals navigating their cultural identities in a rapidly changing world. They often serve not only as a form of entertainment but also as educational tools, offering viewers insights into the diversity and richness of human life across the globe.
“The Farewell”, 2019
Director: Lulu Wang
A poignant drama that examines the cultural differences between East and West through the lens of a family crisis. Awkwafina stars as a Chinese-American woman who returns to China upon learning her grandmother has only a short while left to live, only to find her family has decided to keep the diagnosis a secret from the matriarch.
Starring: Awkwafina, Zhou Shuzhen, X Mayo, Lu Hong, Lin Hong, Ma Tzi, Diana Lin, Yang Xuejian, Becca Khalil, Jiang Yongbo;
Production year: 2019;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 100 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
“Black Panther”, 2018
Director: Ryan Coogler
Set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda, this Marvel film combines elements of science fiction with African culture, exploring themes of leadership, heritage, and the conflict between maintaining traditions and embracing globalization.
Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, Angela Bassett;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: science fiction, action, adventure;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Black Panther” on the website imdb.com
“Roma”, 2018
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, this film is a semi-autobiographical take that looks at the life of a domestic worker in the early 1970s Mexico City. “Roma” is a thoughtful portrayal of class, political unrest, and the cultural dynamics within a specific time and place in Mexican history.
Starring: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira, Diego Cortina Autrey, Carlos Peralta, Marco Graf, Daniela Demesa, Nancy García García, Verónica García, Andy Cortés, Fernando Grediaga;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 135 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Roma” on the website imdb.com
“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”, 2001
Director: Joel Zwick
A romantic comedy that humorously explores the cultural tensions and identity struggles within a Greek-American family in Chicago as they prepare for their daughter's wedding to a non-Greek man.
Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Louis Mandylor, Gerry Mendicino, Michael Constantine, Gia Carides, Joey Fatone, Ian Gomez;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
“Whale Rider”, 2002
Director: Niki Caro
Set in New Zealand, this drama tells the story of a young Maori girl who challenges her grandfather's traditional beliefs to fulfill her destiny. “Whale Rider” is an evocative tale about gender roles, leadership, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Starring: Keisha Castle-Hughes, Rawiri Paratene, Vicky Haughton, Cliff Curtis, Grant Roa, Mana Taumaunu, Rachel House, Taungaroa Emile, Tammy Davis, Mabel Wharekawa;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, family;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Whale Rider” on the website imdb.com
“Monsoon Wedding”, 2001
Director: Mira Nair
Directed by Mira Nair, this film is a vibrant ensemble drama that weaves together the complexities of family dynamics, arranged marriages, and modernity clashing with tradition in contemporary India.
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
“Eat Pray Love”, 2010
Director: Ryan Murphy
Based on Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir, this film follows a woman's journey across Italy, India, and Bali in search of personal healing and spiritual fulfillment, exploring diverse cultures and the universal themes of self-discovery and redemption.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, Billy Crudup, Viola Davis, Mike O'Malley, James Franco, Richard Jenkins, Christine Hakim, Sophie Thompson, Hadi Subiyanto;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 134 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 5,8;
More information about the film “Eat Pray Love” on the website imdb.com
“Daughters of the Dust”, 1991
Director: Julie Dash
Directed by Julie Dash, this film is a visually stunning historical drama that explores the Gullah culture of the sea islands off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, focusing on a multi-generational African American family at the turn of the 20th century, highlighting the rich cultural heritage that survived slavery and generations.
Starring: Cora Lee Day, Alva Rogers, Barbarao, Trula Hoosier, Umar Abdurrahamn, Adisa Anderson, Kaycee Moore, Bahni Turpin, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Tommy Redmond Hicks;
Production year: 1991;
Genre: drama, melodrama, history;
Duration: 112 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,6;
More information about the film “Daughters of the Dust” on the website imdb.com
Concluding, films about culture serve as vital windows into the diverse tapestry of human existence, bridging gaps between different societies with poignant narratives and vivid storytelling. They enrich our understanding of the world, allowing us to experience the vast array of beliefs, traditions, and social norms that define various communities around the globe. By fostering empathy and challenging our preconceptions, these films play an indispensable role in promoting tolerance and cultural awareness. As viewers, we are offered a unique opportunity to journey into the heart of what it means to be human, transcending our own experiences to embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective on the rich complexities of the human condition.
