7 films about what it means to be a father

Father and mother are equally capable of caring for and educating a child. But their symbolic functions are different: the father is called upon to destroy the inextricable bond between the infant and the mother and provide him with space for development. Let’s see how this happens in the reality of cinema. 7 films about different facets of fatherhood in our review.

1. “Kramer v. Kramer”

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Justin Henry

Directed by Robert Benton, 1979

About what? A touching story about a successful designer Ted Kramer, who is immersed in his work. After the departure of his wife, he has to raise his six-year-old son alone. And then it turns out that he knows almost nothing about the child. Forced to devote his time to him, Ted suddenly finds a close friend and reconsiders all priorities in life.

Why watch? Father is not only strictness and strength. It is affection, care, understanding and acceptance. That does not prevent him from remaining an authority for the child. The film played its part in breaking the stereotype that a father should not show tender feelings towards his son.

Quote:

– Who said that women are naturally more caring and attentive to children than men?

2. “The Pursuit of Happiness”

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith

Directed by Gabriele Muccino, 2006

About what? Another single father, this time an unlucky businessman and a homeless man, who, according to the plot, is looking for work, housing and food, but in fact demonstrates to his 5-year-old son the key skills of a successful person – optimism, perseverance, self-confidence and amazing resilience.

Why watch? An excellent confirmation of one of the postulates of pedagogy: there is no better way to convey to your child the values ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbthat are important to you than to live in accordance with them yourself. In addition, in the hero of Will Smith you can find an almost ideal modern father: he knows how to be firm and flexible, witty and strict, he jokes, but does not forget to educate.

Quote:

“Son, never let anyone tell you that you can’t do it!” Don’t even let me! Good?!

– Yes!

If you have a dream, you must protect it. If people can’t do something in their lives, they’ll say you can’t do it in your life either! If you want something, go get it!

3. “Big Daddy”

Starring: Adam Sandler, Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Sprouse

Directed by Dennis Dugan, 1999

About what? Carefree 32-year-old “teen” Sunny unexpectedly announces an outsider 5-year-old boy as his son. Teaching him various pranks, funny but senseless antics, he seems to get rid of them himself, learns to act and make decisions.

Why watch? The path to fatherhood is the path to maturity. Today, young men are especially in no hurry to grow up. And the appearance of a child, for whose life and health they are forced to bear responsibility, sometimes transforms them in a fantastic way. What this light family comedy tells about.

Quote:

“I want you to be my dad, Sonny.

– I know. I want too, buddy. But I’m not sure that this will happen exactly the way we want. Because it looks like you already have a dad. I’ll tell you what we can do. I can be your friend, no matter what happens. Good?

4. “Fathers and daughters”

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Russell Crowe

Directed by Gabriele Muccino, 2014

About what? After burying his wife, the famous writer was left alone with his 5-year-old daughter. He so tenderly takes care of her, supports, inspires, helps to survive grief, that this attachment becomes the most important thing in her life for the girl.

Why watch? To be touched by the radiance of the relationship between a talented father and his brilliant daughter and think about the shadow side of this inextricable connection. For example, the ideal image of a loving protective father becomes destructive over time, because it does not allow the girl to live her life, to create real relationships.

Quote:

Not everyone who loves you will leave you.

– I know it. But the heart does not believe.

5. “Return”

Starring: Konstantin Lavronenko, Vladimir Garin, Ivan Dobronravov

Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev, 2003

About what? About the existential meeting of two teenage brothers with a father they know nothing about, about their strange journey through conflicts and misunderstandings, about their difficult rapprochement and tragic parting. Ultimately, it is about a person’s meeting with God, who can never be truly known.

Why watch? Discover the philosophical, existential meaning of the figure of the Father, who is called to create a connection with the spiritual dimension and be the embodiment of the Law. Mother gives birth and feeds. The mission of the father is the formation of ideals and values. A task that children do not always perceive with gratitude.

Quote:

“You’ll know I didn’t jump.” That I… That I went down the stairs.

– Yes, nonsense, son. I won’t tell anyone about this. And you will jump another time when you can.

6. “Descendants”

Starring: George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller

Directed by Alexander Payne, 2011

About what? Large landowner and successful lawyer Matt King is left with two teenage daughters after the death of his wife: 17-year-old Alex, experimenting with drugs, and 10-year-old Scotty. The father’s acquaintance with the children takes place against the background of property problems, family drama and the crisis of adolescence – with protests, misunderstanding, rejection.

Why watch? Teenagers rarely admit how much they lack the attention and support of their parents. Even if their rebellious pursuits run counter to parental expectations. The way out that the characters of the film find is universal: to speak, to listen, to try to understand.

Quote:

“Dad, mom cheated on you. Because of this, we had a fight. Arriving at Christmas, I found her with a man. After that, I couldn’t see her next to you… You didn’t even suspect, did you? You disgusted me too. Always busy with something.

7. “Daddy”

Starring: Vladimir Mashkov, Egor Beroev, Andrey Rozendent

Directed by Vladimir Mashkov, 2014

About what? Storekeeper Abram Schwartz lives with one dream – that his son David will become an outstanding violinist. Abram is a crook and a drunkard, but he manages to fulfill his father’s destiny – to guide his son into the world and design his future. The son grows up and begins to be ashamed of his provincial dad.

Why watch? Only by accepting the weaknesses and imperfections of his parents and realizing that they showed their care and love for him as best they could, a person reaches maturity, frees himself from his dependence on them.

Quote:

“I lied to you, dad.

“I hope, David, that this will never happen again. Lies are the worst thing in the world to me. Probably because I myself lied too often.

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