Not many events make movies as entertaining as the wedding. Since the 1970’s, stories of couples getting married have been depicted in great movies. Whether it’s gangsters, graduate students or Wall Street stockbrokers, the genre has created several characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films about weddings that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather
Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a great grandfather that loved dark gangsters that caused grim damage. He was fascinated with the dark stories of grim gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Weddings are big ceremonies that have always played a pivotal role in the lives of dark gangsters facing adversities. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the beauty of weddings held by dark gangsters facing danger as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s classic movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about weddings. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a great book about grim gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about big weddings, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. Coppola used stunning visuals to capture gangster organizing an elaborate wedding. For instance, the opening scene in which Don Corleone organizes his daughter’s wedding with members of the mafia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a great role Marlon Brando, who became into a bold don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite film about weddings of all-time is its bold appeal. The film delivers a profound message about the bold bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Unlike most mob movies, it tackles themes everyone will relate to. Nearly 50 years after the release of an iconic film about gangs seeking to make matters a business, it’s a riveting reminder about a genre that has given audiences happiness.
2. Sense & Sensibility
Jane Austen is a legendary author with timeless literature my mother has always loved dearly. I remember bonding with a great mother that was a massive fan of the legendary author in English literature. Weddings have always played a pivotal role in the timeless literature published by the legendary author. As someone treasuring a mother drawn towards the sense and sensibility of Jane Austen, I loved “Sense & Sensibility”. Released in 1995, Ang Lee’s movie honoured Jane Austen’s beloved book about weddings. Lee used captivating costume design to capture sisters seeking to organize weddings that shine. For instance, the scene in which Marianne is married to Brandon during a wedding ceremony is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Kate Winslet, who embodied a woman seeking to get wed. Ultimately, what makes “Sense & Sensibility” a masterpiece is its appeal. Unlike most adaptations, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about social class which would resonate with everyone. Centuries following literature about women with sense and sensibility in danger, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making unforgettable films audiences treasure.
3. Mamma Mia!
Mamma Mia! is a beloved Broadway play that my father adores today. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a father that adored a musical about ABBA. He would always marvel at a stage play about women organizing weddings with a price to pay. In 2008, Phyllida Lloyd honoured the iconic Broadway play with charisma in her movie “Mamma Mia!”. Lloyd used captivating musical numbers capturing a woman that seeks to organize her daughter’s wedding. For instance, the scene in which Donna becomes aware that her ex-boyfriends have gatecrashed her daughter’s wedding causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Meryl Streep, who portrayed a woman seeking to organize her daughter’s wedding ceremony. Ultimately, what makes “Mamma Mia” a musical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Broadway adaptations, it tackles commemorated themes that everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be fans of the legendary Broadway play to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about mothers which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking adaptation of a beloved Broadway play about women experiencing a price to pay, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced movies which are worth appreciating today.
4. Monsoon Wedding
Weddings are ceremonies that are often common in India. India has built an image of being a country that always places great importance on marriage. Wedding ceremonies have always been a part of the culture of country that’s inspiring. Families often go through great lengths to organize wedding ceremonies in the country. The roles that stunning weddings play in Indian culture are beautifully depicted in the movie “Monsoon Wedding”. Released in 2001, Mira Nair’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Indian weddings. Nair used captivating montages capturing an India family that participates in a wedding that’s engaging. For instance, the scene in which Lalit seeks to prepare for his daughter’s wedding ceremony causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Naseeruddin Shah, who embodied a devoted father seeking to organize his daughter’s wedding in India. Ultimately, what makes “Monsoon Wedding” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most Bollywood movies, it tackles themes everyone would relate to. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with Indian culture to appreciate it. It delivers a meaningful message about the disastrous consequences faced by dysfunctional families which would resonate with everyone. An insightful portrait of weddings in India, it’s an incredible reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which always attract audiences to the modern-day Cinema.
5. The Graduate
The life of a graduate student is often aimless. I remember that my life lacked a clear purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. As someone treasuring memories of being an aimless graduate student, I appreciated “The Graduate”. Released in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has stood the test of time as a coming-of-age classic. Nichols used captivating montages capturing hardships faced by men that gatecrash weddings which are frightening. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin gatecrashes Mrs. Robinson’s wedding causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodied a man seeking to gatecrash a wedding celebration. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” a classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1960’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. The film delivers a meaningful message about the importance of finding one’s purpose in life which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of graduate students without purpose whose lives deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a decade that made movies which audiences always appreciate.
6. Crazy Rich Asians
Weddings organized by families facing a dilemma are common in China. China has built an image of being a country that places great importance on weddings that are valued highly. The crucial roles of weddings in the lives of rich Asians are beautifully depicted in the movie “Crazy Rich Asians”. Released in 2018, John M. Chu’s movie captured weddings in China. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Crazy Rich Asians” stand out is its strong depiction of China. Chu uses captivating real-life locations across the country to capture a wealthy Asian-American family. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is amazing in the lead role, Chu created a compelling movie about weddings in China. A captivating portrait of weddings held by Asian families that are luxurious, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making movies audiences consider precious.
7. The Great Gatsby
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about a wedding ceremony, it’s worth discussing The Great Gatsby. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann honoured the great book about a wedding ceremony in his movie “The Great Gatsby”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Great Gatsby” stand out is its depiction of the 1920’s. Luhrmann uses voice-over narration to capture the life of a mysterious millionaire holding weddings in the 1920’s. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Luhrmann honours an iconic book published years ago. A great adaptation of a famous book about millionaires that are mysterious, it’s a magnificent reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured bold movies which audiences consider precious.
8. Little Women
Little Women is a legendary book about weddings that has built a lasting legacy. Since its publication in 1868, Louisa Mary Alcott’s book has become a literary classic. In 2019, Greta Gerwig honoured the iconic book about weddings held by strong women in her movie “Little Women”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its strong feminist point-of-view. Gerwig uses captivating production-design capturing women seeking to organize a wedding which will shine. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is spectacular in the lead role, Gerwig honoured timeless literature about weddings. A beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about strong women, it’s a brilliant reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about wedding ceremonies which definitely deserve utmost appreciation.
9. Love Actually
Comedy is a rare quality seldom seen in wedding movies. The genre has often adopted a serious tone depicting wedding ceremonies that are precious. In a genre where comedy is rarely seen, it’s worth praising “Love Actually”. Released in 2003, Richard Curtis’ romantic comedy offered a captivating portrait of British weddings. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Love Actually” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Curtis uses captivating humour to capture commemorated weddings between couples facing disaster. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is spectacular in the lead role, Curtis created a captivating wedding romantic comedy. A beautiful portrait of weddings between couples that are British, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made great movies about ceremonies which audiences commonly cherish.
10. The Hangover
Few movies ever made about doomed weddings facing disaster are as beloved as “The Hangover”. Released in 2009, Todd Phillips’ comedy capturing weddings facing tragedy. Phillips used captivating montages capturing bachelors gatecrashing a wedding with consequences proving frightening. Assisted by Bradley Cooper who is amazing in the lead role, Phillips created a captivating wedding comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of weddings that are gatecrashed by alcoholic men has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Phil’s alcoholism, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making unforgettable movies offering wisdom about weddings which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve my huge dreams of film criticism.
The Film Buff 