M 2 Immigration in the Movies On the website “Your Success Network”, blogger Jovie Baclayon writes about his seven favourite films dealing with immigrants and immigration to the United States. If you noticed recently, there have been quite a few movies that deal with immigrants – people who travel miles and miles away just to take a taste of the United States, The Land of Opportunity. I, as an immigrant, came all the way from Indonesia to this great nation for a chance at a better education and a better life. The idiots behind 9/11 have made immigrants in general look bad… like we can’t be trusted. Thankfully, some filmmakers know that that’s not the case at all. I’m writing this simply to state the obvious – not all immigrants are bad – and mostly to express myself. Spanglish (2004) Story about a Mexican mother and her daughter who enters the U. S. in search of a better life. She becomes a maid for an American family. Soon she realizes that it becomes more difficult to maintain privacy and distance. And the perfect American family isn’t that perfect at all. This movie is proof that Adam Sandler can act and that he doesn’t have to make goofy films all the time. I like how it shows that you never know what positive impact your immigrant worker might have on your life. The Terminal (2004) Tom Hanks playing an Eastern European man with no country because when he arrives at Kennedy Airport, his homeland is overthrown in a coup d’etat, so he has no valid passport. Stuck in the terminal for days, he makes friends with the employees there and becomes their go-to man. What I really like about this movie is not only Tom’s great performance, but its emphasis on how we should celebrate differences and learn from each other’s unique culture and personality. Everybody is a potential friend. In America (2002) It’s quite possibly the most touching and human immigrant story ever. An Irish family comes to America and everyday is a struggle both financially and emotionally because they still couldn’t get over the loss of the death of their baby son. Their hopes and dreams, however, are somehow brought to life again with the help of a dying neighbor. Many Americans don’t appreciate what they have. They have been blessed with so much and therefore should be grateful. This one is a tear jerker, guaranteed. Green Card (1990) What ultimate prize that most immigrants would be very grateful to have? There are many trophies: the Oscars, Olympic gold medals, and for some us … Green Card. Two simple words, yet so powerful. The story is about a man from Paris who wants a green card and an American woman who needs a husband to qualify for the green house apartment of her dreams. It’s a win-win situation, right? Until INS comes along and messes things up. People have told me I should just marry someone for green card. Well, I’m an old-fashioned guy. I still believe in the sanctity of marriage. I believe in marriage by love alone. ysn.com/top-7-movies-about-immigration The three other movies of the author’s choice: The Godfather part II (1974), Coming to America (1988), Superman (1978 2013) 1. Sum up the information we get about the blogger. 2. Analyze his opinion on Americans and immigrants. 3. Pair up in teams and watch one of the movies mentioned. Note what is said about immigration. Also see if you agree with the comment the blogger has about this film. Present your finding to the class. Pick one short scene that best comments on the issue of immigration. 4. Discuss the intention behind the movies listed in M1 and M2. What do you think is the role of arts (movies) in modern day societies? Find examples for your answers, either from the text or from other movies you know. 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 197Hollywood’s View on America N u r zu P rü fz w e c k e n E i e n tu m d e s C .C . B c h n e r V e rl a g s