5 Movies that Explore Growing Up Between Cultures

Published: April 16, 2025

We’re always looking for stories that reflect the reality of growing up across cultures—whether that’s figuring out where “home” really is, navigating family expectations, or just making sense of two (or more!) identities at once.

In the Season 3 opener of the podcast, we launched something a little different: Cinema Club. It's basically the movie version to our “Book Club” episode from last season. We picked five films that feel especially aligned with the heart of our show, and we dove into what made them stick with us—emotionally, culturally, and cinematically.

🎥 1. In the Heights

Directed by: Jon M. Chu
Starring: Anthony Ramos, Melissa Barrera, Leslie Grace, Corey Hawkins

Key points:

• Set in NYC’s Washington Heights, this vibrant musical—based on Lin-Manuel Miranda’s first Broadway show—showcases a tight-knit Latino community with big dreams and strong roots.
• The soundtrack blends rap and salsa, echoing the diverse voices of a neighborhood in transition.

Summary:
Set in the vibrant neighborhood of Washington Heights, this musical follows Usnavi, a bodega owner with big dreams of returning to the Dominican Republic. As he navigates love, community, and gentrification, he and his neighbors reflect on what home means and how to hold onto identity amid rapid change.

🎥 2. Past Lives

Directed by: Celine Song
Starring: Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro

Key points:

• A deeply emotional story about childhood friends reconnecting across decades and continents.
• Introduces the Korean concept of In-Yun—a spiritual connection across past lives.

Summary:
Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends in South Korea, are separated when Nora’s family immigrated to the U.S. Years later, they reconnect in New York, where they confront questions of fate, love, and identity. A quiet, lyrical meditation on time, distance, and the paths we do—and don’t—take, the film beautifully explores the emotional pull of our cultural and personal pasts.

🎥 3. McFarland, USA

Directed by: Niki Caro
Starring: Kevin Costner

Key points:

• Based on the true story of a high school cross-country team in a largely Latino farming community.
• Explores the challenges of balancing school, work, and sport for young immigrant families.

Summary:
A down-on-his-luck coach moves to a small California town and helps transform a group of Latino students into a successful cross-country team. The film is about more than sports—it’s about bridging cultures, recognizing potential, and uplifting communities that are often overlooked.

🎥 4. A Million Miles Away

Directed by: Alejandra Márquez Abella
Starring: Michael Peña, Rosa Salazar

Key points:

• Follows the real journey of José Hernández, a migrant farmworker who became an astronaut.
• A powerful reminder that persistence and family support can overcome systemic barriers.

Summary:
Based on the true story of astronaut José Hernández, this biopic traces his incredible journey from migrant farmworker to NASA. With determination and the unwavering support of his Mexican-American family, José defies the odds. The film is a powerful testament to grit, family, and the immigrant pursuit of the American dream.

🎥 5. What’s Love Got to Do with It?

Directed by: Shekhar Kapur
Starring: Lily James, Shazad Latif, Shabana Azmi, Emma Thompson

Key points:

• Follows a documentary filmmaker exploring her friend’s journey through an “assisted marriage.”
• Highlights generational and cultural tensions between British and Pakistani values.

Summary:
Documentary filmmaker Zoe sets out to chronicle her childhood friend Kaz’s arranged marriage journey. As she observes his traditional Pakistani family navigate love and partnership, Zoe begins to question her own relationship choices.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!