childhood in cinema

Six-year-old Moonee and her two best friends create their own adventures for fun while living in cheap motels near Walt Disney World. Moonee lives with her young, carefree mother, Halley, and often crosses paths with the motel manager, Bobby, who adopts a paternal role toward his diverse group of guests. The film has an omnipresent dramatic subtext, but it comes through the childlike gaze; Brooklynn Prince and Bria Vinaite are incredible as mother-daughter and Willem Dafoe has never been more lovable.

At a foster-care facility for at-risk teenagers, Grace is a young counselor trying to do her best for kids who often have been pulled from the worst kinds of home situations. Even then, life is not easy as Grace and her colleagues care for kids who are too often profoundly scarred, even as they try to have lives of their own. Now, things are coming to a head as Grace readies for marriage even as some her charges are coming to major turning points in their lives. To cope, Grace will have to make difficult perceptions and decisions that could put her career, and more importantly her charges, at dire risk.

When plans fall through, a six-year-old is faced with a big responsibility on a hot Texas day.

Miguel is a boy in love with music, who dreams of playing the guitar and singing. But playing music is forbidden in his family because of a past deception. When Miguel searches for answers and ends up entering the realm of the dead, he will discover spooky secrets. This animated film is perfect for family viewing, with beautiful, colorful animation and catchy songs, incredible visual effects and a story that tackles weighty issues in a heartfelt and inspiring way.

"Shoplifters" is a deeply touching Japanese film that delves into the lives of a family surviving through shoplifting in Tokyo. As their unconventional bond strengthens, the film explores the meaning of family, the complexities of love, and the power of human connection. With its raw portrayal of marginalized individuals and its exploration of moral dilemmas, Shoplifters invites viewers to reflect on their own understanding of family and empathy.

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson, a young woman named Joy and her son Jack live in captivity, locked in a small room. As they plan their escape, they must face the challenges of the outside world. Brie Larson plays Joy powerfully and Jacob Tremblay shines as Jack. This gripping drama explores the resilience of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her son. Prepare to experience a story of courage, hope and strength to survive even in the darkest of circumstances.

Set in a surface mine, two boys sink into a seemingly innocent power game with Mother Nature as the sole observer.

In rural Japan, two sisters encounter magical creatures and discover the power of imagination. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, this enchanting animated fantasy film evokes wonder and nostalgia. With lovable characters and breathtaking animation, it celebrates family bonds, nature, and the transformative power of imagination. A timeless and heartwarming tale from Studio Ghibli that invites you to embrace the magic in everyday life.

A poignant cinematic masterpiece directed by Alfonso Cuarón, unfolding a year in the life of Cleo, a domestic worker for a middle-class family in 1970s Mexico City. Against the backdrop of social and political upheavals, Cleo navigates personal challenges and bonds with the family she serves. Cuarón's visually stunning black-and-white cinematography captures the subtleties of daily life, love, and loss, offering a profound meditation on the universal themes of human resilience.

Step into the poignant narrative of Chiron, a young black man navigating three pivotal chapters of his life in Miami. Guided by the love, support, and kindness of his community, Chiron's epic journey to manhood unfolds in a remarkably crafted story. This film offers a profound and seldom-seen glimpse into lives that cinema often overlooks.

The Incredibles follows a family of superheroes as they try to save the world from a nefarious villain. The characters are lovable, making it easy to get emotionally immersive in their journey. With stunning animation, exciting action sequences, and a great sense of humor, this film is ideal to watch with your family.

Ricky, a rebellious city kid, finds himself in a new foster home in the New Zealand bush. When a tragedy strikes, he and his gruff foster uncle become fugitives, sparking a manhunt. The duo form an unlikely friendship while evading the law and surviving the wilderness. Their adventure turns into a journey of self-discovery and belonging. With the charismatic presence of Sam Neill as the uncle and remarkable directing from Taika Waititi, the film's quirky humor and heartfelt moments make it unforgettable.

As Andy prepares to go to college his most beloved toys mistakenly end up in a day care center where they are not cared for. As usual, when no one sees them, they come to life and plan an escape. Reunite with Woody, Boss, and the rest of the screen's most beloved toys in their fun and complicated attempt to get home.

Young Riley navigates life's challenges with the help of her emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust. Starring Amy Poehler and Phyllis Smith, this animated masterpiece explores the complexity of emotions and growing up. With stunning animation, a brilliant concept and a heartwarming story, this cinematic gem will make you laugh, cry and appreciate the full range of emotions. Get ready for an unforgettable emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

The mutant population has greatly diminished, and Logan lives in hiding to protect Professor X. When the task of taking Laura, a powerful mutant, to Canada comes up, Professor X asks Logan to accept, even though he doesn't want to. The film delivers a raw and realistic depiction of the beloved superhero's final journey, making it a must-see for any fan of the X-Men franchise.

An eccentric and dysfunctional family embarks on a journey in their van to take their 7-year-old daughter Olive to fulfill her dream of participating in a beauty pageant for girls. Along the way, their differences become evident, but also those things that explain their bond and their affection. A film not to be missed, honest and transgressive, well directed and scripted, with a sublime cast that knows how to give nuances, plus an adorable and hilarious performance by Abigail Breslin.