Published on 02:35 PM, May 14, 2023

Movies to watch on Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a worldwide celebration of mothers and motherly figures. This occasion honours a mother's love, care, and endless sacrifices for her children and family. While it is traditionally observed on the second Sunday of May, mothers need more than just a day to celebrate them for who they are. If you are spending the day at home, you could rewatch these famous movies that have beautifully captured the spirit of motherhood on the big screen.

Mom
Sridevi's last performance is an unforgettable film highlighting the strength of motherhood. It is a heart-wrenching tale of a mother who seeks revenge for the assault on her stepdaughter. When courts fail to provide justice, she takes matters into her own hands, with vengeance ruling over her conscious mind. This film is a reflection of present society, with a fresh new perspective where the female protagonist is bold and fiercely independent. It does a good job in terms of establishing an emotional appeal with the viewers and depicts the unwavering strength that mothers possess. Being based on a dark thriller, the plot is engaging, and the story explores the depth of the protagonists' relationships, questioning the age-old perception of evil stepmothers.

Mother's Day
Directed by Garry Marshall, this comedy-drama mixes together several stories about mothers, creating a rich tapestry of maternal experiences ranging from heartfelt to hilarious. Its celebration of motherhood in all its forms, as well as its study of the problems and joys that mothers confront, makes it an ideal film to watch on this occasion. The film presents a multitude of interpersonal problems, showcasing a diverse range of characters who are doing their fair share of struggling in motherhood. While it primarily focuses on fun and frivolity, it also does a brilliant job in terms of addressing sensitive issues like the death of a close person or the importance of family harmony. So, if you are looking for something funny and are in the mood for an old sitcom, this has to be on your watchlist.

Nil Battey Sannata
Featuring Swara Bhaskar as the lead, this film narrates the story of a mother's unwavering resolve to provide her dyslexic daughter with a bright future. Ashwini Iyer Tiwari's directorial debut is a heartwarming story of a maid who enrolls herself in her daughter's school to ensure that she studies hard. While the mother, Chanda, believes that education is the ladder towards a better life, the daughter, Apu, is adamant that she too will wind up as a servant and does not want to waste time on studies. Apu later grows up to become an IPS officer, owing to Chanda's struggles and sacrifices as a single mother. The film garnered a lot of attention at the time of its release and has been popularized due to its simple and subtle narration.

Lady Bird
This coming-of-age film explores the life of Christine McPherson, a rebellious teenager, and her strained relationship with her mother, Marion. It delves into subjects like friendship, self-identity, personal growth, and attachment, but the primary focus remains fixated on the love-hate relationship of the mother-daughter duo. While it is riddled with passive-aggressive conversations, they also enjoy small moments of sweetness and warmth. Their relationship could be extremely relatable on several parameters, like the mist of misunderstanding enveloping their bond, or the fact that Marion acts according to the baggage of childhood trauma she has to carry. Poor communication or personal grudges often hide or complicate a parent's greatest intentions for her child, and this film is all about dissecting that tough relationship and making viewers feel what the protagonists experience.

Open Tee Bioscope
Set in the 80s and 90s, this film is undoubtedly a nostalgic journey through childhood memories. The protagonist, Fowara, is expelled from school due to his misbehavior, which changes his life when he returns to stay with his single mother at their North Kolkata house. What follows is a never-ending series of delightful encounters, football games, and growing up with an enigmatic group of friends. The mother-son relationship is nuanced, reminiscent of the typical bond we observe while growing up. The middle-class mother contemplates ways to instill discipline in Fowara's life, while he engages in new mischiefs. Debutante Anindya Chatterjee does a fantastic job of weaving a tale that takes viewers back to the simpler days of their childhood.