“Little Miss Sunshine”, 2006
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
A dark comedy about a dysfunctional family taking a cross-country trip in their VW bus to get the youngest member to the finals of a beauty pageant. Amidst the chaos and conflict, the film tenderly showcases how they support each other in facing their individual and collective failures.
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 Pursuit of Happyness”, 2006
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Starring Will Smith, this inspiring film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who becomes homeless with his young son. It's a powerful tale of love, perseverance, and the drive to build a better life for one's family.
Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Thandiwe Newton, Brian Howe, James Karen, Dan Castellaneta, Kurt Fuller, Takayo Fischer, Kevin West, George Cheung;
Production year: 2006;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8;
More information about the film “The Pursuit of Happyness” on the website imdb.com
“Kramer vs. Kramer”, 1979
Director: Robert Benton
A seminal film about divorce and the battle for custody that follows. It highlights the emotional turmoil experienced by both parents and child, navigating the painful adjustments in their new reality. Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep’s performances bring depth to the struggle of balancing personal growth and parental responsibility.
Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Jane Alexander, Justin Henry, Howard Duff, George Coe, JoBeth Williams, Bill Moor, Howland Chamberlain, Jack Ramage;
Production year: 1979;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Kramer vs. Kramer” on the website imdb.com
“Boyhood”, 2014
Director: Richard Linklater
Directed by Richard Linklater, this groundbreaking film was shot over 12 years with the same cast. It's a coming-of-age story that captures the essence of growing up, seen through the eyes of a young boy named Mason. The film explores the changes and constants in family life against the backdrop of passing time.
Starring: Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Lorelei Linklater, Libby Villari, Elijah Smith, Steven Chester Prince, Bonnie Cross, Sydney Orta, Marco Perella;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 166 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Boyhood” on the website imdb.com
“The Farewell”, 2019
Director: Lulu Wang
A poignant story about a Chinese-American woman who returns to China under the guise of a fake wedding to stealthily say goodbye to their beloved matriarch — the only person that doesn't know she only has a few weeks to live. This film explores cultural differences and the deep bond of family, even amidst deception.
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;
“August: Osage County”, 2013
Director: John Wells
Based on Tracy Letts’ award-winning play, this film stars a stellar ensemble cast including Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. It's a darkly comedic and poignant look at a highly dysfunctional family that comes together in the wake of a crisis, forced to confront their long-buried truths and resentments.
Starring: Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Ewan McGregor, Chris Cooper, Julianne Nicholson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Dermot Mulroney, Juliette Lewis, Misty Upham, Sam Shepard;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 121 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
“Coco”, 2017
Director: Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina
This animated film by Pixar delves into the significance of family and tradition through the story of a young boy named Miguel, who embarks on an extraordinary journey to the Land of the Dead to discover his family’s history and his own musical dreams. “Coco” is a vibrant celebration of culture, memory, and familial bonds.
Starring: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael García Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Alanna Ubach, Renee Victor, Jaime Camil, Alfonso Arau, Herbert Siguenza, Gabriel Iglesias, Lombardo Boyar;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: animation, fantasy, comedy, adventure, family, music;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,4;
More information about the film “Coco” on the website imdb.com
Each of these films, with their diverse settings and characters, illuminates different facets of family life, offering both entertainment and reflection on the complexities and joys of familial relationships.
In sum, films about families offer a rich and diverse landscape for exploring the complexities and beauties of familial bonds. Through laughter and tears, they delve into the universal truths and challenges that define the family experience. From the animated adventures that charm both the young and the young at heart, to the dramatic sagas that examine the intricate dynamics within a household, these films serve as a mirror reflecting our own families back at us. They remind us of the importance of love, forgiveness, and togetherness in navigating the ups and downs of life. Whether it showcases the traditional or redefines the unconventional, the genre's enduring appeal lies in its ability to connect deeply with viewers across generations, making films about families essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand the heart of human connections.
