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Ever feel like your history classes haven’t taught you enough about cultures besides the one you grew up and lived in? Then you might want to try exploring other parts of the world through big screen. Research has found that films can help students better understand the perspectives and practices of other cultures. Films can even promote empathy for minority groups and improve viewers’ knowledge of racism and cultural stereotypes.
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Ready to expand your worldview? Here are 13 films that are just as entertaining as they are culturally educational!
Based on the best-selling novel of the same name, “The Kite Runner” tells the story of Amir. Although he has lived in California, Amir returns to Afghanistan to help his old friend, Hassan, whose son is in trouble. The movie (and book) provide insight into the culture of Kabul, Afghanistan; the basics of Sharia law; and the Taliban’s takeover of the country.
Set in an unnamed African country, “Beasts of No Nation” examines the lives of child soldiers through the eyes of young Agu. Considering that child soldiers are presently being used in countries ranging from Afghanistan to the Central African Republic to Iraq, this movie highlights issues that are especially relevant today.
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“The Revenant” is set in America in the 1820s and tells the terrifying true story of a frontiersman’s struggle to survive on his own in the wilderness. The protagonist, Hugh Glass, encounters several members from the Arikara tribe and bonds with a Pawnee refugee during his journey. This film won’t just transport you to pre-industrialized America; it will also make you consider the inner and physical strength humans can call on to survive.
After his grandmother passes away, Carlito, a young Mexican boy, has to cross the United States border to find his mother. In light of President Donald Trump’s recent policies on immigration – and his plans to build the Mexico wall – “Under the Same Moon” is perhaps more relevant than ever.
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Scrunchies, tie-dyed clothes, you name it – 1990s culture was really something else. Aubrey Plaza stars in “The To-Do List,” a movie that perfectly encapsulates the ’90s decade from an American teenager’s point of view. If nothing else, you’ll at least love seeing the outfits that were “so fashionable” back in the day!
“Hotel Rwanda” depicts a hotel manager’s struggle to protect his family and Tutsi refugees from the Hutu militia in Rwanda. It also shows the world’s reaction – or, more accurately, inaction – to the Rwandan genocide.
Danny Glover, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey star in “The Color Purple,” which was adapted from a best-selling novel of the same name. This intense film depicts the hardships that plagued black Southerners in the 1930s.
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In “The Cup,” two young Tibetan refugees are exiled to India and can’t watch the football World Cup taking place in France. One of the young boys, Orgyen, pulls together a group of children to find out how to rent a TV to see the game. Meanwhile, the head of the monastery, the Lama, struggles to teach Buddhism in India’s changing society.
At least in terms of the plot line revolving around a pair of shoes that fits just right, the “Children of Heaven” could be considered the Iranian version of Cinderella. Only, it’s the brother who’s looking – and he’s searching not for a prince, but for a pair of shoes that will be perfect for his sister. Set in South Tehran, this film shows a brother and sister banding together to face challenges like poverty, social class differences and, of course, a missing pair of pink shoes.
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“The Way Home” is a popular and critically acclaimed Korean film that gives viewers a peak into South Korean life. A city boy, Sang-woo, is taken to a rural town to live with his mute grandmother. Meanwhile, his mother looks for a new job after a failed business venture in Seoul. Sang-woo struggles to adjust to rural life, like by trying and failing to get Kentucky Fried Chicken. However, he eventually appreciates how hard his grandmother is trying to please him.
“Ixcanul,” directed by first-time director Jayro Bustamante, tells the story of a modern Mayan woman who struggles with an unwanted pregnancy. It’s an especially great film if you’re curious about modern Mayan culture and how women are treated in Mayan society.
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“Ten Canoes” teaches audiences about the indigenous population of Australia’s northern territory. The film depicts the story of Minygululu and his younger brother, Dayindi, who are part of the ancient Arnhem Land tribe. Minygululu tries to prevent Dayindi from stealing one of his three wives by telling stories about the consequences of betrayal.
If you want a movie that is as funny as it is moving, “The Intouchables” is the perfect film for you. Set in France, this movie tells the story of an aristocratic paraplegic man who hires a man from the projects to be his live-in caretaker. Although Philippe and Driss are an unlikely pair, their friendship teaches them both about the “other side” of French culture and how to bond despite their different social classes. A Hollywood remake of “The Intouchables” is currently being filmed starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart.
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Even if history wasn’t your favorite subject in school, learning about different cultures doesn’t have to be boring or hard! In fact, sometimes “walking in someone else’s shoes” can be as easy as putting one of these movies on your TV.
Sure, watching one movie about Afghanistan won’t make you an expert on Afghani culture. However, these movies can make you more open to seeing others’ perspectives on the world…and curious enough to learn more about different people’s cultures and lives!
