The topic of moving encompasses a broad spectrum of films. These stories may delve into physical relocation, such as moving to a new house, city, or country, reflecting the challenges and adventures that come with such a significant life change. At the same time, “moving” can also encapsulate the emotional and psychological journeys of characters who are transitioning into different stages of their lives, whether it be moving on from past relationships, careers, or personal setbacks. This dual interpretation of “moving” allows for a rich variety of narratives in cinema, from heartwarming family adventures to intense personal dramas. Here are some films that explore the theme of moving in one way or another:
“The Karate Kid”, 2010
Director: Harald Zwart
A classic tale of a young boy who moves to California with his mother and finds difficulty fitting in, until he learns karate from Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who teaches him much more than just self-defense.
Starring: Jackie Chan, Jaden Smith, Taraji P. Henson, Han Wenwen, Yu Rongguang, Wu Zhensu, Wang Zhiheng, Wang Zhenwei, Jared Minns, Lu Shijia;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: drama, sport, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 140 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “The Karate Kid” on the website imdb.com
“Inside Out”, 2015
Director: Pete Docter, Ronnie Del Carmen
This animated film offers a unique take on moving, focusing on a young girl named Riley who has to leave her life in the Midwest behind when her family moves to San Francisco. The story is uniquely told through the perspective of her emotions living inside her mind, illustrating the internal struggle of adjusting to a new life.
Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black, Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan, Paula Poundstone;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: animation, family, comedy, fantasy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,1;
More information about the film “Inside Out” on the website imdb.com
“Brooklyn”, 2015
Director: John Crowley
Set in the 1950s, this film follows the journey of a young Irish woman who immigrates to Brooklyn in search of a better life. The heartfelt story covers her struggles with homesickness, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and finding love, encapsulating the emotional aspects of moving.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, Julie Walters, Brid Brennan, Jane Brennan, Fiona Glascott, Jessica Paré, Eileen O'Higgins;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,5;
More information about the film “Brooklyn” on the website imdb.com
“Wild”, 2014
Director: Jean-Marc Vallée
While not about moving in the traditional sense, this film is a powerful portrayal of moving on emotionally. Based on a true story, it follows a woman's solo trek along the Pacific Crest Trail as she seeks to heal from personal tragedies, reflecting a journey of self-discovery and emotional healing.
Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Keene McRae, Michiel Huisman, W. Earl Brown, Gaby Hoffmann, Kevin Rankin, Brian Van Holt, Cliff De Young;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, adventure, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 115 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Wild” on the website imdb.com
“Up”, 2009
Director: Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
This animated adventure encompasses both physical and emotional aspects of moving. Elderly widower Carl sets his house afloat with thousands of balloons, intending to fulfill a promise to his late wife by moving their home to a cliff overlooking Paradise Falls in South America, embarking on an unexpected adventure.
Starring: Edward Asner, Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo, Jerome Ranft, John Ratzenberger, David Kaye, Elie Docter, Jeremy Leary;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: animation, drama, comedy, adventure, family;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 8,3;
More information about the film “Up” on the website imdb.com
“The Terminal”, 2004
Director: Steven Spielberg
While not about moving to a new home, it tells the story of a man trapped in JFK International Airport when he is denied entry into the U.S. and cannot return to his home country due to a revolution. The film explores themes of displacement and creating a life in limbo.
Starring: Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Chi McBride, Diego Luna, Barry Shabaka Henley, Kumar Pallana, Zoe Saldana, Eddie Jones, Jude Ciccolella;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Terminal” on the website imdb.com
“Lost in Translation”, 2003
Director: Sofia Coppola
This film captures the disorientation and connection two Americans feel while they're temporarily living in Tokyo. It explores the transient nature of their lives and relationships, highlighting how physical and emotional displacement can lead to unexpected personal connections.
Starring: Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Giovanni Ribisi, Anna Faris, Akiko Takeshita, Kazuyoshi Minamimagoe, Kazuko Shibata, Take, Ryuichiro Baba, Akira Yamaguchi;
Production year: 2003;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 102 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “Lost in Translation” on the website imdb.com
These films, each in their unique way, manage to capture the essence of moving, be it through the lens of physical relocation, personal growth, or emotional transition, thus providing viewers with a multifaceted understanding of what it means to move.
Conclusively, films about moving transcend the simple act of changing physical locations, weaving narratives that deeply resonate with audiences across cultural and geographical divides. These stories capture the multifaceted experiences of loss, discovery, and transformation, inviting viewers to reflect on their personal journeys of transition. Whether it's the poignant exploration of new beginnings in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” the heartwarming adventure of self-discovery in “Wild,” or the comedic misadventures of familial bonds in “Little Miss Sunshine,” films about moving offer a rich tapestry of human emotion and resilience. Through the lens of cinema, audiences are afforded a glimpse into the universal quest for belonging, identity, and the relentless pursuit of happiness, making these films not just entertaining, but profoundly relatable and inspiring.
