Movies are the bread and butter of human entertainment. They cure our boredom, soothe our sorrows, and even offer some well-needed wisdom every now and again. But most of all movies are a great way to enhance our bonding experience, especially with our loved ones. Some stories tug at our heartstrings, others make our hairs stand on end. On this Mother’s Day, treat your mum to a movie night by putting on her favourite genre of film. Whatever her cup of tea is, I’m she will find at least one of these suggestions to her liking. Here are some great films that you can enjoy on Mother’s Day with your mum.
Drama Lovers
Fans of heavy, philosophical films about the complexities of death, family and marriage will love ‘Stepmom’ (1998). A heart wrenching story about one woman’s attempt to reconcile with her children’s stepmother and come to terms with her own mortality as she battles cancer. The film is such a stark and realistic portrayal of remarriage and the complications that arise from it. The struggles of a stepmother who is desperate to win the affection of another woman’s children, and the despair of a divorcee who is struggling to co-parent just as she wrestles with a terminal illness. The film stars icons Susan Sarandon and Julia Roberts, definitely a film that will get you thinking about your relationships and purpose in the world.
Comedy and Heart-warming
A time-travelling tale full of twists and turns, this comedy cum tearjerker is a great heart-warming film that will have you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Featuring an all-Asian cast, ‘Hi, Mom’ (2019) tells the story of Jia Xiaoling who finds herself transported back to 1981 where she meets a younger, unmarried version of her recently deceased mother. Determined to give her mother a better life, Jia decides to change the past to give her mother a better future, even if it meant sacrificing her own existence. This Asian ‘Back to the Future’ is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud and cry your eyes out.
Musical Mums
ABBA fans will love this cinematic ode to the legendary band who gave us such evergreen hits as ‘Money, Money Money‘ and ‘Take A Chance on Me‘. Another feel-good mother-daughter movie, ‘Mamma Mia’ (2008) is about Sophie, daughter of single mum Donna, who is on a mission to find out who her real dad is. Since she has no idea who that is, Sophie invites all three of her mum’s old flings to her wedding, forcing her mum to relive old romances and reconcile with her past. The film stars many distinguished and award-winning actors like Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, so you know it is going to be good. If your mum loves to sing, this movie is definitely one you can belt out to together.
Superhero-Loving Mums
If your mum loves superhero movies, she’s sure to love this modern reimagining of the iconic superheroine ‘Wonder Woman’ (2014) as she fights crime, protects innocents and finds love. Full of jam-packed action, historical references and a little romance sprinkled in between, Wonder Woman is definitely a treat for all the superhero buffs out there. Follow Diana, daughter of Zeus, as she battles gods and monsters, while powerful, ancient magic threatens to destabilise the mortal world forever. This film will definitely put you at the edge of your seat, and make you wonder if there really are superheroes out there protecting us from evil forces.
Bookworms
If your mum is an avid reader and has read ‘The Joy Luck Club’ novel, she’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a movie adaptation of the same name released in 1993. If she hasn’t, then it is a good reason to pick up this award-winning masterpiece. The story is about how four Asian women and their daughters make peace with their past and each other. If you ever want to know the struggles and heartache faced by first-generation immigrants, then this movie is for you. The film recounts every detail of the characters’ history and what they faced to build a better future in a foreign land. War, tradition, marriage, family. These universal themes abound in this amazing mother-daughter movie that is guaranteed to stir your soul.
Bollywood Buffs
There’s probably not a single mum alive today who has watched ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ (2001) and not loved it, despite the tragic and heart-wrenching storyline. A sentimental Bollywood classic, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’ (also known as ‘K3G’) is a Hindi film about an adopted son who disobeys his father’s wishes in the name of love. The strength of brotherhood is tested when an attempt at a reunion tears the family further apart. But at the end of the day, the love of family perseveres against the chains of tradition and prejudice. And at heart of it all, is the unconditional love of the adopted mother for her son. Just like the title of the movie, you’ll definitely go through a rollercoaster ride of emotions, so have a box of tissues nearby, you’re going to need it.
Fantasy Fans
Magic, vengeance, and love abound in this fairy tale retelling of Sleeping Beauty where the main villain isn’t the villain after all. ‘Maleficent’ (2014) recounts the ‘true story’ of the Sleeping Beauty legend as not one widely told to children of the modern world. In this alternate retelling, Maleficent is a woman scorned, an unstoppable force of nature, and a fierce protector. This story of betrayal, loyalty, sacrifice and forgiveness will tug at your heartstrings in more ways than one. At the end of the movie, you will find that the most powerful magic isn’t magic at all, but the love of a mother.
Romcom Addicts
Hopeless romantics will love this film about one teenage girl’s mission to find a soulmate for her lonely, single mum. ‘The Perfect Man’ (2005) tells the story of Holly Hamilton, daughter of Jean, chronic dater and flight risk. Having abandoned all her previous relationships due to fear of commitment, Jean will always pick up and leave when her romances fail. Just when Holly finds a gentleman that she thinks may end the endless relocations, she goes through her own romantic hurdles. The film stars Disney sweetheart Hillary Duff and Heather Locklear. Definitely a wholesome mother-daughter romcom.
Bust out the Popcorn and Kick Back with Your Mum
Mother’s Day is a time of relaxation and celebration, and a movie night definitely fits the bill. You may even want to go all out, make a pillow fort, turn the lights down and buy some ice cream. Make an entire slumber party out of it. You may even end up watching an entire movie marathon. Chances are you may have already seen a few of the movies mentioned, but there’s no better time for a rewatch than on Mother’s Day. And if you haven’t seen them, now’s the moment to make new memories and maybe even to add another title to your favourites list. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Not when you get to cherish every precious second with your mum.
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