Grab your best friend and some butter popcorn: 5 feel-good movies to watch on Friendship Day
From Mamma Mia a musical film containing ABBA’s hit songs to La La Land that inspires you to chase your dreams, YSWeekender brings you timeless films to watch with a close friend this Friendship day.
International Friendship Day which takes place every year on July 30 is a day to honour those close companions and friends you have in your life.
Though it was originally a day promoted by the Greeting Cards industry, Friendship Day has taken on different meanings throughout the world.
In Asia especially, individuals tend to gift cards, tie multicolored handmade bands or give flowers to those they consider near and dear.
Since we are all locked down, owing to the pandemic and can’t meet in large groups and distribute gifts and goodies to friends at school or the workplace etc., why not decide to watch the same film as your best buddy, and maybe even discuss the movie later. There are even apps online that allow you to share your screen and watch films together.
This Friendships Day, why not watch a film that celebrates friendship.
After all, as the famous saying goes, 'True friends are never apart, maybe in distance, but never at heart.'
YS Weekender brings you 5 films to watch with your friends and loved ones this Friendship Day.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
A feel-good film about the trials and tribulations that come along with friendship, ‘The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants’ is a must watch on Friendship day.
It tells the story of four childhood friends Lena Kaligaris, Bridget Vreeland, Carmen Lowell and Tibby Rollins.
Their mothers first met at prenatal classes together, and ever since their children were born, the girls have been inseparable. Every summer was spent together and their bond kept growing with each new season. However, it is during the phase of young adulthood, that they realise that they will be spending their first summer apart.
Carmen, one of the girls, comes across a pair of jeans, that fits each of the girls perfectly in shape and in size.
Believing that the pants contain magical powers, they parcel it amongst the four of them during their time apart to their respective summer locations, in the hope that it will bring them luck and bind them together.
Lena spends the summer in her native town of Santorini, Greece with her grandparents, while Carmen goes to South Carolina, Bridget goes to a soccer camp in Baja, California, and Tibby works at a Wallman’s store and works on a documentary that capture her experiences.
Based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Ann Brashares, it is a four- part sequel, with only two films having been shot, with the second film sequel titled ‘The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants 2.’
The film stars America Ferrara (as Carmen), Blake Lively (Bridget Vreeland), Alexis Bledel (Lena Kaligaris) and Amber Tamblyn (Tibby) and was directed by Ken Kwapis who also directed popular film ‘He’s Just Not That into You.’
The themes of the film include ‘The importance of friendship’, ‘The quest for love’ and ‘The role of family in our lives’.
'The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants' will take you on an adventure to four different exotic locations.
Mamma Mia
A splendid film that can be watched with friends and even family, ‘Mamma Mia’ is a romantic comedy musical.
It stars an extremely talented cast of Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski and Dominic Cooper in leading roles, and is directed by Phyllida Lloyd.
Set in the Greek island of Kalokairi, 20-year-old, Sophie (played by Amanda Seyfried) is all set to get married with a gathering of loved ones and family from far and wide.
She invites her two best friends Ali and Lisa to the wedding to be her bridesmaids, but what her mother Donna (played by Meryl Streep) doesn’t know is that Sophie has also invited three men, who she potentially thinks could be her long-lost father to the island. Her mother has also invited her friends and her former Dynamos bandmates Rosie Mulligan and Tanya Chesham-Leigh to the wedding.
Sophie comes across the names of the three men Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Harry (Colin Firth) and Bill (Stellan Skarsgard) while reading about her mother’s past love affairs in a secret diary.
She invites them all to the island, much to Donna’s surprise, as she wants her real father to walk her down the aisle on her big day. What ensues is a time of absolute laughter, love, friendship, and delightful little surprises.
Does Sophie find out who her dad really is and does he end up walking her down the aisle like she hoped and dreamed her whole life? You will have to watch the film and find out.
Packed with all the hit songs from Swedish band ABBA, such as ‘Money Money’ ‘Thank you for the Music’, 'Dancing Queen’ ,‘Voulez Vous’ ,‘SOS’ ,‘Our last summer’ ‘Super Trouper’ and of course popular track ‘Mamma Mia’ which the film is named after, this is one film you shouldn’t miss.
Bend it like Beckham
A romantic comedy sports film directed by Gurinder Chadha, ‘Bend it like Beckham’ is an absolute delight to watch with your BFF.
It stars Keira Knightley, Parminder Nagra, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anupam Kher, Shaheen Khan, and Archie Panjabi in leading roles.
Set in London, 18-year old Jasminder ‘Jess’ Bhamra is a soccer freak, her parents however, who are British Indian Sikhs and extremely strict, want their daughter to learn how to make round rotis, and be a good Indian partner and housewife as opposed to playing sports.
Despite their concerns, Jess breaks the rules and continues to play soccer, and dreams to curl the ball just like her icon David Beckham.
She meets Juliette ‘Jules’ Paxton (played by Keira Knightley) in the neighborhood park, who encourages her to join a local soccer camp for women, run by coach Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).
Sneaking behind her parents back she continues to dedicate her time to the sport, and the women’s team make it to the top of the league. Jess is even granted a unique scholarship.
Does she manage to convince her parents to let her lead a career in sport full time, or do they forbid her and set her up for an arranged marriage?
This is a movie about trusting your instincts, following your dreams and passions, and creating life lasting friends that are like family.
Listen to some of ABBA's popular hits in the film 'Mamma Mia', or laugh it out watching 'Bend it Like Beckham.'
La La Land
A romantic comedy musical film, ‘La La Land’ takes you on an inspiring journey of passion and what it means to follow your dreams.
The film stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, and is directed by Damien Chazelle. The unparalleled chemistry between the two actors can also be seen in a previous film they worked together on called ‘Crazy Stupid Love.’
With beautiful dance numbers and songs, ‘La La Land’ tells the story of Mia Dolan (portrayed by Emma Stone) and Sebastian Wilder (Ryan Gosling) an aspiring actress and Jazz pianist respectively.
With many ups and downs and struggling to make ends meet, through the lives of both characters, it makes us question what really matters to us, the risks that accompany following a dream, what to prioritise, and whether it is all ultimately worth it in the end.
Most of all, it shows us the unlikely bond you can form with anyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, the importance of friendship and the impact a friend, who truly wants the best for you, has in your life.
Although Sebastian and Mia both meet as a result of a traffic jam due to an incident of road rage, they soon bump into each other again at the most unexpected time and place, a jazz restaurant where an unlikely friendship and bond happens as a consequence.
Even though these two individuals are nothing alike, what binds them together is their ambition, drive and the hope that one day they will fulfill all their dreams and have the careers they so long for.
The two support each other and bring out facets of their personality they never knew to be hiding beneath the surface.
Sebastian pushes Mia out of her comfort zone, and Mia inspires Sebastian to not question himself and to keep moving forward in the face of adversity and life’s curveballs.
An emotional, thought provoking and powerful film ‘La La Land’ was first conceptualised by director Damien Chazelle along with film composer Justin Hurwitz during their time as undergraduate students at Harvard University.
The film won a record breaking seven nominations and awards at the 74th Golden Globes and 14 nominations at the 89th Academy Awards with Chazelle receiving ‘Best Director’ and Emma Stone receiving ‘Best Actress.’
Understand the value and importance of friendship through the film 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower.'
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
A coming of age drama film based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ is sure to make you view friendship in a new light and leave you smiling.
Starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson, and Ezra Miller in leading roles, the film navigates the life of high schooler Charlie, who has a difficult time fitting in, and deals with depression and social anxiety.
He makes friends with seniors Samantha ‘Sam’ Button (Emma Watson) and Patrick Stewart (Ezra Miller) who are comparatively way more outgoing and extroverted than him.
They help him break out of his shell, and see the world with fresh eyes, but continue to accept him just the way he is.
Charlie connects with his English teacher Anderson (played by Paul Rudd) who encourages him to hone his writing craft, and with whom he shares a deep passion for literature.
With this incredible support system, high school doesn’t seem so lonely as Charlie anticipated. He comes out feeling more content and confident with himself, learns how to battle his inner demons, and builds friendships that will last a lifetime.
The film received several accolades, including Best Adapted screenplay for Chbosky, and the GLAAD media award for Outstanding Film- Wide release, amongst other notable awards.
(Image Courtesy: Shutterstock)
Edited by Asha Chowdary