From ‘Medea’ to ‘Mamma Mia!’: 10 movies for Mother’s Day
Mothers come in all types! From ‘Medea’ to ‘Mamma Mia!’, Moonshot has rounded up 10 great movies for all tastes to watch on Mother’s Day.
Every ‘forced’ international day can be controversial – Mother’s Day too: some may have great mothers, some not, some may have lost their mothers – or feel badly or happy for not being one.
But there is one thing we all do have in common: regardless of the type and relationship, we all have had one and we all have an idea about how the perfect mother should be like.
This is why… Moonshot News has rounded up some great movies about motherhood and family relations that you could watch, depending on how you feel about Mother’s Day.
Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy or a tear-jerker drama, a newly released film or an old classic one, our list has something for any taste.
If you’re looking for something smart, tender and funny…
Mamma Mia!
This movie could not be missing from this list! A fun musical that tells the story of a free-spirited mom named Donna (Meryl Streep), her 20-year-old daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and a trio of Donna’s ex-lovers, whom Sophie has sneakily called together in her wedding so she can try to deduce who her real father is. At first glance, ‘Mamma Mia!’ seems to be all about the father-daughter relationship. But in the end, it’s the mother-daughter relationship that steals the show! And the megahit songs of ABBA of course!
The Kids Are All Right (2010)
The kids in question are two children conceived by artificial insemination and raised by two mothers. But as they grow up, their biological father comes into the equation and together, they form a family. Lisa Cholodenko’s smart comedy about a lesbian couple and their kids is a warm, witty portrait of the postmodern family. Huge plus for this movie the great performances by Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo.
Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut is a pitch-perfect coming-of-age comedy. Saoirse Ronan gives a stunning performance in ‘Lady Bird,’ the story of a teenage girl growing up in the early 2000s, navigating high school and her sometimes-tricky relationship with her mother. ‘Lady Bird’ is a funny, smart, beautiful film that’s definitely worth watching (with or without your mother).
If you’re looking for a tear-jerker…
Minari (2020)
Youn Yuh-jung won an Oscar this year for her incredible performance as a grandmother who moves from South Korea to Arkansas to live with her daughter and grandchildren. The family dynamics in the award-winning ‘Minari’ are sweet and heartbreaking at the same time – they will make you cry, laugh, and cry some more by the film’s end.
All about my mother (1999)
Pedro Almodóvar’s most acclaimed film, the Oscar-winning ‘All About My Mother’ is about a mother who is figuring out how to go on with her life once her teenage son is hit by a car and killed. Even though motherhood is a recurring subject in the films of Almodóvar, none of his films shows the figure of the mother as lovingly as this one. ‘All About My Mother’ is his masterpiece of maternal desire and loss.
Stepmom (1998)
In ‘Stepmom’, Susan Sarandon plays a terminally-ill woman having to deal with her ex-husband’s new partner (played by Julia Roberts), who will be their children’s stepmother. Chris Columbus’ movie takes a look at the changing nature of families and what happens to them as they go through a tough time. Even though the film does not claim to be a masterpiece, it’s worth watching for its good cast and fine performances. But be sure to keep a box of tissues handy. Doubtless you’ll need them!
If you’re looking for something ‘dark’…
Tallulah (2016)
What is motherhood? And what makes a mother? Sian Heder’s ‘Tallulah’ examines some deeply difficult questions about parenthood. It is a story about two strangers from different backgrounds who come together over a stolen baby. When Elliot Page’s character Tallulah basically kidnaps the toddler, it will have you questioning everything you thought you knew was right.
A Second Chance (2014)
A conscientious police officer who investigates a violent case of domestic dispute in the apartment of a drug addict has to make the most contemptible decision in his life. Just how far would a parent go to get a second chance? A movie about moral questions and decisions. Who deserves to raise a child, and when (if ever) might it be considered reasonable to take a kid away from its birth parents? Susanne Bier’s moving drama is about how easily we loose our grasp on justice, when confronted with the unthinkable.
I Killed My Mother (2009)
The turbulent relationship between a mother and her young homosexual son unfolds in this Canadian movie, which compellingly combines a savage fury and a melting affection. ‘I Killed My Mother’ is the semi-autobiographical directing debut of 20-year-old actor Xavier Dolan. The film won three awards from the Director’s Fortnight program at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.
If you’re looking for something darker…
Medea (1969)
A fascinating but difficult to watch movie, that cinephiles will definitely enjoy! Featuring legendary diva Maria Callas and based on the ancient Greek myth of Medea, Pier Paolo Pasolini’s film centers on the barbarian protagonist and the revenge she takes against her husband Jason who has betrayed her for another woman. If you’re feeling like watching something “dark” and classic, give it a shot!
You can also watch: 10 movies with strong female leads
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