My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) just celebrated its 20th anniversary and is perfect if you’re looking for a hilarious rom-com with a bold family and a strong matriarchal presence. It’s about a young Greek woman who falls in love with a non-Greek man and struggles to balance heritage and individuality. A great choice if you’re looking for laughs and Happy Tears.

Available to rent on the platform of your choice. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Because I Said So (2007), Mamma Mia (2008) and The Family Stone (2005).

Double Happiness (1994) is a dramatic romance also involving a young woman balancing between tradition and modernity. Debut writer/director Mina Shum encapsulates her Chinese immigrant experience and delivers us Sandra Oh’s breathtaking feature film debut. A great choice if you’re looking for Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.

Stream it with Hollywood Suite on Amazon Prime or rent on any platform. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Lady Bird (2017), Real Women Have Curves (2002) and Bend It Like Beckham (2002).

Turning Red (2022) is a brilliant choice for a young family. It’s a coming-of-age story set in 2002 Toronto about a Chinese Canadian tween who discovers she can turn into a giant red panda. A great watch for kids and adults alike, the story addresses generational trauma in a way that soothes your inner child and makes young kids feel heard. It also features yet another amazing performance from Sandra Oh. A great choice if you’re looking for laughs, Happy Tears and Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.

Stream it on Disney+. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Brave (2012) and Encanto (2021).

Juno (2007) is a great coming-of-age film about confronting motherhood. It features Elliot Page’s breakout performance as a pregnant teen contemplating adoption, love, and life. This film does a great job addressing non-traditional motherhood, examining the question, “what makes a mother?” A great choice if you’re looking for laughs, Happy Tears and Reconciliation Tears.

Stream it on Disney+. If this is up your alley, I also recommend The Kids Are Alright (2010) and Away We Go (2009)

Beans (2020) is another coming-of-age story, this time set during the 1990s Oka Crisis where two Mohawk communities entered a 78-day standoff with Quebec government authorities. Due to the high stakes, our main character’s actions have bigger consequences for her family and community. This story brilliantly balances a universal experience with highly specific circumstances. A great choice if you’re looking for Sad Tears, Happy Tears and Mother/Daughter Reconciliation Tears.

Stream it on Crave. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Thirteen (2003), Miss Juneteenth (2020) and Rustic Oracle (2019).

Meditation Park (2017) is about finding a new outlook on life and reinventing oneself at a certain age. It’s an immigrant story and a housewife story. Writer/Director Mina Shum, Double Happiness (1994), creates a beautiful community for our heroine and delivers yet another outstanding story. A great choice if you’re looking for Happy Tears and Reconciliation Tears.

Available to rent on any platform of your choice. If this is up your alley, I also recommend Calendar Girls (2003), Stepmom (1998), and Hello, My Name is Doris (2015).

Happy Mother’s Day!

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