Family dynamics in movies give us a great way to see how different cultures work. Here’s how these family stories change from one culture to another:

1. Collectivism vs. Individualism:

   • In many Asian cultures, family comes first. This means that when making decisions, the happiness of the whole family is often more important than just one person's wishes. You can see this in movies like Parasite and The Farewell.
   • On the other hand, Western films, such as The Pursuit of Happyness, usually show a focus on personal dreams and individual happiness. These movies often highlight conflicts in families that come from wanting personal goals versus what’s best for the family as a whole.

2. Hierarchy and Respect:

   • In cultures with strong family structures, like many in Africa and Asia, respecting elders is very important. This theme is clear in the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, where loyalty to family influences the characters' choices.
   • In Western movies, families often act more like friends. Parents may be seen as equals with their kids rather than just being in charge. A good example of this is the show Modern Family.

3. Representation of Gender Roles:

   • How gender roles are shown in families can also be very different. For instance, in Middle Eastern films like Wadjda, traditional roles are often challenged. Many Western films, however, tend to show more equality between genders in family roles.

These differences highlight how culture shapes the way families are shown in films. They reflect the values, struggles, and dreams that can feel very different depending on where you come from.