Movies About Immigration For Students

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and the sequel to the 1972 classic The Godfather. It tells two parallel stories; one set in the late 1940s and early 1950s, following the ascension of Michael Corleone to power in the criminal underworld; the other set in the 1910s, following the life of his father, Vito Corleone. Michael Corleone, now the head of the Corleone crime family, attempts to expand his empire, while dealing with the machinations of other crime families and government officials. As he does so, his father's past is revealed through flashbacks. Vito Corleone, an immigrant from Sicily, rises to prominence in the New York underworld, establishing his supremacy over the city's gangs and crime families, while also trying to protect his family. The film features a large ensemble cast, including Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, John Cazale and Talia Shire. It also features a number of iconic moments, and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro). The Godfather Part II is often considered to be one of

From Directors: Olivier Nakache, Éric Toledano, starring François Cluzet, Omar Sy, Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot
Rated R

The Intouchables is a 2011 French buddy comedy-drama film directed by Olivier Nakache and Éric Toledano. It tells the story of Philippe, a wealthy and paralyzed aristocrat, who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Driss, a young and ex-con from the impoverished suburbs of Paris. The two men form an unlikely bond, as Driss helps Philippe overcome physical, emotional and social barriers. The film was a critical and commercial success and won several awards, including the César Award for Best Actor for Omar Sy, who plays Driss. It was also nominated for nine César Awards and became the second highest-grossing non-English language film of all time in the United Kingdom.

From Brian De Palma, starring Al Pacino, Michelle Pfeiffer, Steven Bauer, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio
Rated R

Scarface is a 1983 crime drama directed by Brian De Palma, and stars Al Pacino as Cuban refugee Tony Montana. After arriving in Miami as part of the Mariel boatlift, Tony rises to power in the criminal underworld of Miami, becoming a drug lord and a kingpin. His rise to power is fueled by his ambition, ruthlessness and loyalty to his friends. He is pitted against the Cuban government, the police, and enemies from within his own organization. The film is a violent, gritty, and thrilling exploration of the criminal underworld, and its consequences.

From Directors: Vincent Paronnaud, Marjane Satrapi, starring Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Gena Rowlands, Danielle Darrieux
Rated PG-13

Persepolis is a 2007 animated biographical drama film based on the autobiographical graphic novel of the same name by Marjane Satrapi. The film follows the story of Marji, a precocious and outspoken young Iranian girl, as she comes of age against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution. Marji's life is filled with both joys and sorrows, as she experiences the realities of life under the Islamic Republic and embarks on a journey of self-discovery that takes her from Iran to Vienna and eventually back to her homeland. Through her journey, Marji learns to find her own identity and make her own choices in life, even in the face of adversity. The film is narrated by Marji and features the voices of Catherine Deneuve, Danielle Darrieux, and Simon Abkarian.

From Alfonso Cuarón, starring Julianne Moore, Clive Owen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Caine
Rated R

Children of Men is a 2006 science fiction thriller film directed by Alfonso Cuarón. The movie takes place in a dystopian future where no babies have been born for 18 years. Theo Faron (Clive Owen), a former political activist, is recruited by his estranged wife Julian (Julianne Moore) to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman named Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) to a sanctuary at sea. With the help of a radical immigrant rights group called The Fishes, they must battle against a totalitarian government that is determined to stop them. Along the way, they face dangers and unexpected twists, while discovering a new meaning to life and hope.

From Lars von Trier, starring Björk, Catherine Deneuve, David Morse, Peter Stormare
Rated R

Dancer in the Dark is a 2000 musical drama film written and directed by Lars von Trier. It follows the story of Selma Jezková, a Czech immigrant living in Washington state with her son Gene. Desperate to pay for the operation that will prevent Gene from going blind, Selma works in a factory and takes up a secret life as a dancer in order to save up money. When her savings are stolen, Selma's dreams of a better future for her son are threatened, and she is pushed to the edge. Dancer in the Dark is a heartbreaking story of tragedy, hope, and the power of music and dance.

From James Cameron, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates
Rated PG-13

Titanic is a 1997 epic romance and disaster film directed, written, co-produced and co-edited by James Cameron. It follows the story of two young lovers from different social classes, Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) and Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio), who meet and fall in love aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic during its ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. As the ship collides with an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sinks, Rose must fight for survival as Jack refuses to leave her behind. In addition to the love story, the film explores the rigid class structure that exists within the Titanic's passengers, and the untold stories of the people on board as the ship goes down. In the end, the movie pays tribute to the heroism, strength and courage of the passengers in the face of tragedy.

From Fatih Akin, starring Birol Ünel, Sibel Kekilli, Güven Kiraç, Zarah Jane McKenzie
Rated R

Head-On is a German-Turkish drama film directed by Fatih Akin. It tells the story of Cahit and Sibel, two troubled individuals from different backgrounds who meet in a hospital and impulsively decide to get married. Soon after, Cahit and Sibel embark on a passionate, tumultuous relationship as they both struggle with their inner demons. Cahit spirals into a self-destructive lifestyle as he deals with his depression and guilt, while Sibel grapples with her own sense of identity and her family's expectations of her. Both Cahit and Sibel must overcome their inner struggles in order to find love and acceptance in each other.

From Theodoros Angelopoulos, starring Bruno Ganz, Isabelle Renauld, Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Ahilleas Skevis
Rated Unrated

Eternity and a Day is a 1998 film written and directed by acclaimed Greek filmmaker Theodoros Angelopoulos. It follows the story of Alexandre, an elderly poet living alone in Thessaloniki. After receiving a grim medical diagnosis, Alexandre embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption. Along the way, he befriends a young immigrant boy, and helps him reunite with his mother as they cross the borders of Greece. In the end, Alexandre discovers a newfound appreciation for life, and a newfound sense of purpose in his own existence. The film is a reflection on the human condition, with a strong emphasis on the legacy of life and the importance of living life to the fullest.

From Elia Kazan, starring Stathis Giallelis, Frank Wolff, Elena Karam, Harry Davis
Rated Approved

America America is a powerful and compelling drama, directed by Elia Kazan and based on his own autobiographical novel. It tells the story of Stavros, a Greek-Armenian youth who journeys from his homeland to America in order to find a better life. Along the way, he is faced with many struggles and hardships, including poverty, racism and religious persecution. Stavros must use his wits and resourcefulness to overcome these obstacles and ultimately reach his dream of finding freedom in America. This powerful film paints an honest portrait of the immigrant experience and celebrates the courage and perseverance of those who take a chance to make a better life for themselves.

From Jim Sheridan, starring Paddy Considine, Samantha Morton, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger
Rated PG-13

In America is a 2002 drama written and directed by Jim Sheridan. It stars Samantha Morton, Paddy Considine, Djimon Hounsou, Sarah Bolger, and Emma Bolger as the central family. The story follows an Irish family who moves to New York City's Hell's Kitchen in the early 1980s in search of the American Dream. As the family struggles to adjust to a new lifestyle, they face a series of hardships ranging from the death of their elder daughter to the challenges of discrimination from their neighbors. Ultimately, the family finds hope and redemption through the power of their love for one another.

From Gregory Nava, starring Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, David Villalpando, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Alicia del Lago
Rated R

El Norte is an 1983 American drama film written and directed by Gregory Nava. It tells the story of two teenage Mestizo Guatemalan siblings, a brother and sister, who are forced to flee their village after their father is killed and their mother is raped by military forces. With the help of a sympathetic priest, they escape to Mexico and then to the United States in search of the American Dream. Along the way, they encounter poverty and danger, as well as kind people who help them. Ultimately, the brother and sister must make difficult decisions to survive in an alien culture, while trying to make a better life for themselves.

From Directors: Jean-Pierre Dardenne, Luc Dardenne, starring Jérémie Renier, Olivier Gourmet, Assita Ouedraogo, Jean-Michel Balthazar
Rated Not Rated

The Promise is a 1996 Belgian drama film written, directed, and produced by the Dardenne brothers. It follows the story of 13-year-old Olivier (Jeremie Renier), a poor boy living in a small village. He has promised to purchase a bike for his best friend, but he can't afford it. In order to pay for it, he takes on a summer job at a local factory, where he meets Magali (Olivia Bonamy), a young girl who is hired to clean the factory. The two of them quickly become friends and Olivier begins to fall in love with Magali. However, Olivier soon discovers that Magali is involved with a much older man and that he is expected to pay her a large sum of money. Olivier soon finds himself in a difficult situation as he has to choose between keeping his promise to his friend and protecting Magali from danger. Through his struggles, Olivier discovers the power of love and the importance of keeping one’s promises.

From Wayne Wang, starring Tamlyn Tomita, Rosalind Chao, Kieu Chinh, Tsai Chin
Rated R

The Joy Luck Club is a 1993 American drama film directed by Wayne Wang, based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Amy Tan. The film depicts the relationships between four Chinese-American immigrant mothers and their American-born daughters. Through a series of vignettes, the daughters interact with their mothers and learn about their pasts and Chinese culture. The film explores themes such as loss, identity, and the cultural divide between immigrant and American-born Chinese. The film also highlights the struggles of Chinese-Americans struggling to find their place in a predominantly white society.

From Marc Forster, starring Khalid Abdalla, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada, Atossa Leoni, Shaun Toub
Rated PG-13

The Kite Runner is a 2007 American drama film directed by Marc Forster based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Khaled Hosseini. The film tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, whose closest friend Hassan is the son of his father's Hazara servant. When the Taliban take over the country, Amir and his father flee to the United States. Years later, Amir returns to Afghanistan in order to rescue Hassan's son, who has been kidnapped by the Taliban. The film follows Amir's journey to reconcile with his past and atone for his betrayal of Hassan, and his efforts to rescue Hassan's son. Along the way, he must confront the Taliban and the truth of his own childhood. The film is both a gripping adventure and a poignant drama, and emphasizes themes of friendship, loyalty, and guilt.

From Tom McCarthy, starring Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Hiam Abbass
Rated PG-13

The Visitor is a 2007 drama directed by Tom McCarthy and starring Richard Jenkins. The film follows Walter Vale, an emotionally repressed college professor who discovers a young couple illegally living in his New York apartment. Over the course of the film, Walter forms an unlikely friendship with the couple, Tarek and Zainab, and finds himself drawn into their struggle against the US immigration system. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about opening his heart to others and embracing life’s surprises. Ultimately, The Visitor is a powerful reflection on the power of compassion and the importance of standing up for what’s right.

From Directors: Jerome Robbins, Robert Wise, starring Natalie Wood, George Chakiris, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn
Rated Approved

West Side Story is an Academy Award-winning musical drama film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. It is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet. The film stars Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Rita Moreno, George Chakiris and Russ Tamblyn. The film follows the story of two rival gangs in 1950s New York City—the "Jets," led by Riff, and the "Sharks," led by Bernardo. After a fight between the two gangs, Tony, a former Jet, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the Shark leader. This relationship quickly escalates the conflict between the two gangs, leading to a tragic climax. West Side Story is widely acclaimed for its groundbreaking music, choreography, and cinematography, and won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is considered one of the greatest musical films of all time.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Daniel Day-Lewis, Jim Broadbent
Rated R

Gangs of New York is a 2002 epic period drama directed by Martin Scorsese set in the Five Points district of New York City during the mid-19th century. The film follows the story of Amsterdam Vallon (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young man who returns to the Five Points seeking revenge for the death of his father, who was murdered by the ruthless Bill the Butcher (Daniel Day-Lewis). As Amsterdam works to gain the trust of Bill and his gang, a battle for control of the Five Points begins to unfold between the Irish, who have lived in the area for generations, and the recently arrived Italian immigrants. Along the way, Amsterdam falls in love with a young pickpocket named Jenny Everdeane (Cameron Diaz), and discovers the truth behind his father's death. The film eventually leads to an explosive climax as all sides face off in a final battle.

From Vadim Perelman, starring Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley, Ron Eldard, Frances Fisher
Rated R

House of Sand and Fog is a 2003 drama film based on the 1999 novel of the same name by Andre Dubus III. It follows two very different people whose lives collide when they both become owners of a house in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kathy Nicolo (Jennifer Connelly) is an emotionally fragile former addict whose husband has recently committed suicide. Colonel Behrani (Ben Kingsley) is a former Iranian colonel, who is now working to provide a better life for his family by buying a house and turning it into a profitable investment. But when Kathy is wrongly evicted from her house, she begins a legal battle to regain what she believes is rightfully hers. Behrani sticks to his guns, and the two become locked in a heated legal battle, as well as a personal one, over ownership of the house. As their fight intensifies, it takes a devastating toll on both of their lives.

From Mira Nair, starring Kal Penn, Irrfan Khan, Tabu, Jacinda Barrett
Rated PG-13

The Namesake is a 2006 drama film written and directed by Mira Nair, based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Jhumpa Lahiri. The film chronicles the life of Gogol Ganguli (Kal Penn), a young American of Indian origin, as he struggles to reconcile his cultural identity with his family heritage and the expectations of his immigrant parents Ashoke (Irrfan Khan) and Ashima (Tabu). Gogol is caught between two worlds, the traditional ideals of his Bengali parents and the American way of life. Gogol's journey of self-discovery leads him to embrace his roots and name, which his father gave him after a Russian author, and to find a balance between the two cultures. The film also stars Jacinda Barrett, Zuleikha Robinson, and Sahira Nair.

From Directors: Megan Mylan, Jon Shenk, starring Santino Majok Chuor, Jarrid Geduld, Peter Kon Dut
Rated Unrated

Lost Boys of Sudan is a riveting documentary that follows two young Sudanese refugees, Peter Dut and Santino Chuor, as they attempt to rebuild their lives in the United States. Both boys were forced to flee their native country due to civil war and famine. The film follows them from their journey from a refugee camp in Kenya to an American city, where they must learn how to build successful lives in an unfamiliar culture. The film explores the tremendous courage and determination of the two boys, who, despite the hardship and cultural differences, strive to succeed. They face a variety of challenges, such as finding work, learning English and adjusting to a new way of life. Despite their struggles, Peter and Santino never lose sight of the hope and optimism that led them to the United States. The movie also offers a glimpse into the lives of other Sudanese refugees in the United States, highlighting the challenges they face and the strength of their spirit. Lost Boys of Sudan is an inspiring film that showcases the remarkable resilience of the human spirit.

From Alejandro G. Iñárritu, starring Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Mohamed Akhzam
Rated R

Babel is a 2006 drama written by Guillermo Arriaga, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. The film follows three separate stories in Morocco, Mexico, and Tokyo that are connected by a tragedy, and explores the complex relationship between all of the characters. In Morocco, two children from a remote Berber village are given a rifle by their father, but tragedy strikes when one of them accidentally shoots at a tour bus filled with American tourists, resulting in a woman's death. In Mexico, an illegal immigrant caretaker struggles to make a living in order to support her family back in Morocco. Meanwhile, in Tokyo, a deaf Japanese teen is struggling to cope with her growing isolation from her parents. As their stories intertwine and the consequences of their actions become clear, the film ultimately explores how the interconnectedness of modern life can bring people together in unexpected ways.

From John Crowley, starring Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen, Domhnall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent
Rated PG-13

Brooklyn is a 2015 romantic drama film directed by John Crowley, based on the novel of the same name by Colm Tóibín. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who moves to Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s. Struggling to find her place in a new country, she meets and falls in love with the charming Italian-American Tony Fiorello (Emory Cohen). Torn between her homeland and her new home, Eilis must make a difficult decision. With the help of a local priest (Jim Broadbent) and a strong community of Irish immigrants, Eilis learns to adapt to her new life while struggling to keep her past and present in balance.

From Philippe Lioret, starring Vincent Lindon, Firat Ayverdi, Audrey Dana, Derya Ayverdi
Rated Not Rated

Welcome is a 2009 French drama film directed by Philippe Lioret and starring Vincent Lindon, among others. It follows the story of Bilal, an illegal immigrant from Kurdistan who is attempting to cross the English Channel to reunite with his girlfriend in London. He meets and befriends Simon, a swimming instructor who helps him prepare to make the treacherous journey across the water. Along the way, Bilal must confront the realities of his situation, as well as the indifference of the authorities. The film ultimately highlights the precarious situation of illegal immigrants and the difficulties they face in seeking a better life.

From Cary Joji Fukunaga, starring Paulina Gaitan, Marco Antonio Aguirre, Leonardo Alonso, Karla Cecilia Alvarado
Rated R

Sin Nombre is a gripping drama directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and released in 2009. The film follows two immigrants, Sayra and Willy, who are trying to make their way to the United States. Sayra is a Honduran teenager who is attempting to reunite with her father in New Jersey. She embarks on a dangerous journey on the tops of cargo trains with her aunt and uncle, as well as a young gang member, Willy. Willy is a member of the Mara Salvatrucha, a powerful gang in Central America. He is looking for a new life in America and is trying to make amends with his past. The two must traverse through Mexico, fighting off the rival gang, Los Locos, and eluding immigration authorities in order to reach their destination. Along the way, Sayra and Willy develop an unlikely bond that is tested by the harsh realities of their journey. The film is an emotional journey that highlights the struggles of immigration and the power of human resilience in the face of great adversity.