Not many genres have earned appreciation of immigration. Since the 1970’s, stories of immigration have often made for engaging movies. Whether it’s childhood lovers, serial killers or Asian-American farmers, the genre has created several strong 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 immigration that deserve to be celebrated.
1. The Godfather: Part Two
Gangsters are grand figures that have always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a grandfather that was a big fan of dark gangsters causing damage. He was fascinated with grim stories of gangsters that sought to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies that shaped his identity. Through his lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me a great appreciation for figures I have grown to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured hardships that immigrant gangster families go through as powerfully as “The Godfather: Part II”. Ever since its release in 1974, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest film ever made about immigrants. In arguably the greatest gangster movie ever made in cinematic history, Coppola did an extraordinary job of adapting a book about gangsters on the big-screen. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about brothers facing danger, and “The Godfather: Part Two” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone negotiates with his brothers seeking to prepare for his first murder causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Al Pacino, who transformed into a powerful don giving his family dreams to follow. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather: Part Two” my favourite film about immigration of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a profound message about the unbreakable bonds between families that will resonate with everyone. Nearly 40 years after the release of a film about gangsters given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a genre making movies about immigrants earning rave reviews.
2. Brooklyn
Homesickness is a tragic feeling that every immigrant faces. Several years ago, my life forever changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. I recall with nostalgia fond memories of the time when my family migrated to Canada. Immigration came with a tremendous sacrifice of abandoning childhood companions I regarded with affection. Bidding goodbyes to precious companions I had grown to idolize brought tears to my eyes. As someone impacted by immigration, I adored “Brooklyn”. Released in 2015, John Crowley’s movie celebrated a beloved book about Irish immigration. Crowley uses engaging montages capturing the hardships that an Irish immigrant is facing. For instance, the scene in which Ellis learns about the upsetting news of her sister Rose’s death in Ireland after she has immigrated to America is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Saoirse Ronan, who embodied an Irish immigrant. Ultimately, what makes “Brooklyn” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a bold message about immigration which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Irish to appreciate it. A powerful portrait of immigrants that are Irish, it’s an incredible reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies about the challenging immigration process which audiences commonly cherish.
3. Minari
Korean families that experience immigration often face tension. I fondly recall with nostalgia memories of a Korean kid that would recall his immigration journey causing trauma. He would often tell stories about challenges his conservative family faced moving countries. As someone treasuring memories of a friend that migrated from a Korean country, I adored “Minari”. Released in 2020, Lee Isaac Chung’s masterpiece capturing Korean families settling in America. Drawing from his own personal experiences as an Asian-American immigrant, Chung created a powerful portrait of Korean immigration. For instance, the scene in which Jacob and his family first arrive on the farm in America to begin a new life is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Steven Yeun, who portrayed a Korean father struggling to provide for his family. Ultimately, what makes “Minari” a masterpiece is its commemorated message. The film delivers a meaningful message about family which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be Korean to relate to the commemorated themes of the movie. A powerful portrait of troublesome hardships Korean families which immigrate commonly face, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced unforgettable movies which audiences commonly embrace.
4. The Namesake
Immigration is a tough process that causes families to face a dilemma in India. I recall with nostalgia memories of a friend that had immigrated from India. He would often tell intriguing stories of grim hardships he faced moving countries. As someone treasuring fond memories of an Indian friend that experienced immigration causing heartache, I admired “The Namesake”. Released in 2006, Mira Nair’s movie offered a powerful portrait of Indian immigration. Nair has always had a flair for making great movies about Indian immigrants facing danger, and “The Namesake” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Ashok tells his son the story about how his name was created from a train accident causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Irrfan Khan, who portrayed an Indian immigrant facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “The Namesake” an immigration masterpiece is its bold appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be Indian to appreciate it. It delivers a bold message about the sacrifices involved in immigration which would resonate with everyone. A bold portrait of immigration causing Indian families to crumble, it’s a powerful reminder of a great genre that making strong movies audiences consider extremely special.
5. Past Lives
Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school seeking marriage. However, immigration brought our bonds to a closure. When my family moved to Canada, I was faced with a dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that shaped my persona. As someone treasuring memories of childhood crushes I left behind in past lives, I adored “Past Lives”. Released in 2023, Celine Song’s magnificent Korean masterpiece captured barriers tearing apart childhood lovers. With her directorial debut, Song captured the hardships that childhood lovers go through. Unlike most movies in the romance genre, what makes “Past Lives” stand out is its strong sense of realism. Song beautifully uses non-linear storytelling to capture the romantic relationship between a pair of childhood lovers reuniting over several years. For instance, the scene in which Nora has an emotional reunion with Hae-Sung following several years of separation remains one of the greatest moments of the romance genre. Ultimately, what makes “Past Lives” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about childhood lovers which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of barriers causing romance between childhood lovers to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre audiences commonly appreciate.
6. The Big Sick
Pakistani families that immigrate often face adversities. As a native of Pakistan, I have often seen my family struggle with adjusting to life in new countries. As someone that has seen tragic hardships faced by Pakistani immigrants, I appreciated “The Big Sick”. Released in 2017, Michael Showalter’s movie captured big hardships faced by a Pakistani family in America. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Big Sick” stand out is its humour. Showalter uses captivating comedy to capture hardships faced by a Pakistani comedian. Assisted by Kumail Nanjiani who is amazing in the lead role, Showalter created a portrait of immigration that’s compelling. A fantastic portrait of Pakistani comedians facing barriers that are tragic, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies captivating the movie-going public.
7. The Farewell
Immigration often poses a dilemma for families in China. Chinese families that make the decision to move countries often face adversities. The challenges faced by Chinese women bidding farewell to their homeland are beautifully depicted in the movie “The Farewell”. Released in 2019, Lulu Wang’s movie captured hardships faced by Chinese immigrant families. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Farewell” stand out is its depiction of families in China. Wang uses captivating montages capturing barriers faced by Chinese families that immigrate. Assisted by Awkwafina who is amazing in the lead role, Wang created a compelling immigrant drama. As strong as Billi’s bond with her grandmother, it’s a great reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured unforgettable movies which audiences commonly treasure.
8. The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a great book about immigration that has built a lasting legacy. Ever since its publication in 1925, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book has become a classic. In 2013, Baz Luhrmann did a great job of adapting the book 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 overcoming poverty 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 about the process of immigration which audiences consider to be precious.
9. No Country for Old Men
When it comes to the greatest books ever written about immigration faced by old men, it’s worth discussing No Country for Old Men. Since its publication in 2005, Cormac McCarthy’s book has become a literature classic. In 2007, the Coen Brothers honoured the iconic book about old men that immigrate in their movie “No Country for Old Men”. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “No Country for Old Men” stand out is its violence. The Coen Brothers use effective bursts of violence to capture immigrants facing a traumatic experience. Assisted by Javier Bardem who is amazing in the lead role, the Coen Brothers created a compelling western about immigration. As memorable as murders Anton Chigurh has committed, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies which audiences have commonly appreciated.
10. The Terminal
Few movies ever made about immigrants stranded in an airport terminal are as beloved as “The Terminal”. Since its release in 2004, Steven Spielberg’s movie has become a classic. Spielberg used sharp humour to capture immigrants stranded in an airport. Assisted by Tom Hanks who is extraordinary in the lead role, Spielberg created a captivating immigrant comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an immigrant treated with cruelty by the U.S. customs has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Viktor Navorski’s desire to survive airports in America, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies about immigrants that experience a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking Cinema.
The Film Buff 