The Radiant Sentimental Value and the Beauty of Seeing Flawed Families On-Screen

We all inherit traits from our parents, for better or worse, and their influence shapes who we become. It’s no surprise that family dynamics are a common theme in movies, just as popular as stories about romance. While many family films focus on intense drama, this season’s releases are exploring the more nuanced ways family members connect – or struggle to. We’re seeing films like a documentary about a son reflecting on his famous parents, a series of quirky and funny stories about parents and children, and a moving film about the impact of a distant parent, while also showing that healing and reconnection are possible. Perhaps, in a world often filled with negativity, these familial bonds are more vital than ever. These films portray those connections realistically, without relying on clichés or sentimentality. Families are messy, frustrating, and imperfect – yet they often provide the support we need to cope with life’s challenges.

Jon M. Chu Has a Vision for America

Director Jon M. Chu understands this feeling perhaps better than anyone. For nearly twenty years, he’s worked within the Hollywood system, consistently delivering successful, popular movies based on established ideas, like Step Up 2: The Streets, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, and Crazy Rich Asians. His knack for connecting with both American and international audiences has made him a highly reliable director – a true example of achieving the American Dream.