14 Mother's Day movies that make moms feel seen
When a marriage breaks down, no one is more affected than the children. This emotional tale features a soon-to-be stepmom struggling to find her footing within her impending life and a terminally ill mother who's just coming to terms with her divorce and missing out on her children's future. Eventually, Isabel (Julia Roberts) and Jackie (Susan Sarandon) reach mutual ground. The film sensitively navigates themes of acceptance, blended families and the unbreakable bonds of maternal love. 3. 'Real Women Have Curves' (2002)
What is it about coming-of-age stories and motherhood? Based on a play, it follows a Mexican-American teenager, Ana Garcia (America Ferrera), as she navigates cultural expectations and body image. Her relationship with her mother, marked by both tension and deep love, highlights the complexities of maternal influence. This film is an underrated gem and a must-watch on your list of favourite Mother's Day movies.
Also read: Mother's Day gift guide: 5 thoughtful presents for your mum and the maternal figures in your life 4. 'Anak' (2000)
In this poignant Filipino drama, Josie (Vilma Santos) leaves her homeland to work as a domestic helper in Hong Kong, aiming to provide a better future for her family. Unbeknownst to her, her husband passes away during her absence. Upon her return, she faces resentment from her children, especially her eldest daughter, Carla (Claudine Barretto), who feels abandoned. The film details the emotional toll of overseas work on familial relationships, highlighting the sacrifices made by many Filipino mothers. 5. 'The Meddler' (2015)
Marnie Minervini (Susan Sarandon), a recent widow, moves to Los Angeles to be closer to her daughter, Lori (Rose Byrne). Her well-intentioned involvement in Lori's life leads to humorous and heartfelt moments, showcasing the challenges of letting go and the enduring nature of maternal care. 6. 'The Joy Luck Club' (1993)
Adapted from Amy Tan's bestselling novel, The Joy Luck Club is a touching and sweeping portrait of eight women—four Chinese American daughters and their immigrant mothers—who navigate the rift between two cultures and generations. At its heart, the film is a celebration of motherhood in all its complicated glory. From Suyuan Woo's (Kieu Chinh) quiet sacrifices to Lindo Jong's (Tsai Chin) fierce pride, each mother imparts lessons wrapped in pain, resilience and unspoken love.
Their daughters, worlds apart in language and lifestyle, grapple with inherited trauma and expectations, learning that their mothers' silence was often an armour forged by history. This one is a must when you're planning a marathon of Mother's Day movies. 7. 'Tokyo Sonata' (2008)
This Japanese drama portrays the disintegration of the Sasaki family after the patriarch loses his job. Megumi (Kyōko Koizumi), the mother, struggles to maintain normalcy amidst the family's unravelling. Her quiet resilience and eventual assertion of independence offer a compelling look at a mother's role in a changing family dynamic. 8. 'Everything Everywhere All at Once' (2022)
In this chaotic, genre-bending multiverse epic, Michelle Yeoh gives a career-defining performance as Evelyn Wang, a weary laundromat owner burdened by taxes, regrets and a drifting connection with her daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu). But when the multiverse cracks open, Evelyn becomes an unlikely heroine in an absurd, high-stakes journey to reclaim her relationship with her child.
Through hot dog fingers and bagel metaphysics, Everything Everywhere All at Once becomes a breathtaking metaphor for generational disconnect and reconciliation. Evelyn's arc (equal parts kung fu master, existential philosopher and immigrant mother) is a tribute to the unglamorous, everyday heroism of motherhood. In all its messiness and beauty, she shows that being a good mother means embracing chaos and choosing love in every universe. 9. 'A Quiet Place' (2018)
You wouldn't expect a list of Mother's Day movies to include a horror film, but there's nothing like terror to bring out one's maternal instincts. In a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by sound-sensitive creatures, Evelyn Abbott (Emily Blunt) strives to protect her family in silence. Her fierce determination and sacrifices underscore the primal instincts of motherhood in the face of unimaginable threats. 10. 'Mother' (2009)
Directed by Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho, this thriller follows a devoted mother (Kim Hye-ja) whose intellectually disabled son, Do-joon (Won Bin), is accused of murdering a young girl. Convinced of his innocence, she embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth. The film explores the depths of maternal devotion, questioning the lengths a mother will go to protect her child.
See more: Bong Joon-Ho confirms 2 sequels to his Oscar-winning movie, Parasite 11. 'Terms of Endearment' (1983)
Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) is a widowed, sharp-tongued mother whose love for her daughter Emma (Debra Winger) is as intense as it is meddlesome. Spanning 30 years, their relationship is a whirlwind of bickering, reconciliation and razor-sharp affection, tracking Emma's life choices and Aurora's reluctant growth into vulnerability. MacLaine and Winger's chemistry makes this not just a tearjerker, but a sharply observed portrait of a mother who can't help but smother. Let's not forget the daughter who both resents and needs it. 12. 'Mother India' (1957)
An epic portrayal of maternal strength, this classic film features Radha (Nargis Dutt), a woman who endures immense hardships to raise her sons after her husband's departure. Facing poverty and societal challenges, Radha's unwavering moral compass and sacrifices epitomise the archetype of the selfless mother. 13. 'The Babadook' (2014)
Amelia Vanek (Essie Davis) is a grieving widow and single mother whose son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman), is spiralling into fear and paranoia over a mysterious storybook monster. But as the Babadook's presence grows more menacing, the film reveals itself as a chilling allegory for depression, trauma and the isolating intensity of motherhood. Amelia's exhaustion is palpable and her patience thin, but her fight is relentless. The Babadook doesn't just terrify—it lays bare the raw, unspoken truths of maternal despair and the herculean task of showing up for your child even when your world is falling apart. 14. 'Pieces of a Woman' (2020)
Martha Weiss (Vanessa Kirby) is a woman whose world shatters after the loss of her newborn during a home birth. What follows is a slow, aching unravelling of her identity as a mother, partner and daughter, made even more complex by her domineering mother (Ellen Burstyn). The film is less about resolution and more about the quiet, unbearable persistence of grief and the fractured, imperfect ways women try to hold each other (and themselves) together.
Don't miss: 8 fantastic fashion moments from Vanessa Kirby
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Tatler Asia
10 hours ago
- Tatler Asia
The shared table: Asia's communal dining traditions and why they endure
2. The Filipino boodle fight is organised chaos Above The boodle fight, once a military mess hall tradition, is now a Filipino favourite for big gatherings. (Photo: Cesan Escuadro/Pexels) Where: The Philippines Origin: Philippine military mess halls, likely mid-20th century Start with banana leaves so big they could double as sailcloth. Lay them flat like a green runway. Now throw in the rice: white, steamy and unapologetically sticky. Crown it with grilled tilapia, glistening pork belly (or lechon if it is that kind of occasion), salted egg halves, green mango strips, chili-laced vinegar, lumpia still warm from the fryer and maybe a crab or two tossed in for chaos. No forks, no spoons; just hands, heat and a don't-flinch attitude. The boodle fight was born in Philippine military camps, where time was short and hierarchy got left at the mess hall door. 'Boodle' was army slang for loot, and 'fight' implied that it was plunder to be eaten fast, shoulder-to-shoulder, no questions asked. These days, it's migrated into backyards and beach resorts, becoming part spectacle, part edible group therapy. Even upscale restaurants like Toyo Eatery have co-opted the concept. In this type of communal dining, everyone digs in. Everyone gets messy. Everyone leaves a little more connected, a little more full. A boodle fight is not just a meal—it's a free-for-all of trust and timing. A performance of bayanihan, the Filipino spirit of shared burden, sweaty joy and passing the shrimp paste without shame. See more: Food worth fighting for: how to set up your own boodle fight, according to chefs 3. Indian thali and platter politics Above With roots in Ayurvedic principles, the thali offers balanced nutrition and a feast of regional flavours. (Photo: Yan Krukau/Pexels) Where: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka Origin: Centuries-old Ayurvedic and regional food systems You don't eat a thali. You commit to it. A giant metal platter, or sometimes a banana leaf, is ringed with small bowls of lentils, vegetables, chutneys, yoghurt and sweets. Rice or roti is the edible anchor to the meal. What seems like maximalist abundance is actually structured nutrition. Thalis are designed with Ayurvedic principles, complete with a balance of sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent, astringent. But there's also hierarchy. In caste-rigid societies, who served whom mattered. Today, urban India is remixing the thali with regional varieties, such as a predominantly sweet and savoury thali in Gujarat, or fiery, rice-based ones in the south served on a banana leaf. But the essence remains: one plate, many flavours, always shared. 4. Korean banchan means side dishes with Main Character Energy Above Banchan brings generosity to the Korean table—communal by default, refillable by tradition. (Photo: Mizzu Cho/Pexels) Where: South Korea Origin: Royal Joseon-era table customs In Korea, side dishes are everything. A meal might feature grilled meat or rice, but it's the banchan—a few or so small dishes of fermented cabbage like kimchi, seasoned vegetables, pickled fish and glass noodles like japchae—that define the meal. They arrive before you order. You don't ask for them. They just appear. And yes, oftentimes, they're refillable. This is a sign of a host's hospitality and generosity. Rooted in Korean royal court cuisine, the banchan ritual democratised over time. Even at roadside diners in Busan, the humble anchovy may sit beside lotus root and aged kimchi like royalty. Banchan is communal by default: everyone digs in. See more: The history of banchan, the heart of Korean dining 5. Japanese izakaya and communal dining as poetry Above In izakaya culture, pouring drinks for others and sharing small plates embody the spirit of omotenashi. (Photo: Gül Işık/Pexels) Where: Japan Origin: Edo-era sake shops turned snack spots In an izakaya, everything is built for sharing. Beer? Get the pitcher. Sake? A flask and tiny ceramic cups, because pouring for others—never for yourself—is a love language. Instead, you notice when a friend's drink is low and you refill it before they have to ask. It's a small gesture, but a meaningful one. A nod to omotenashi, Japan's quiet, attentive form of hospitality. Grilled skewers of yakitori, soy-glazed eggplant, oden, golden karaage and pristine sashimi arrive in waves. It's a rolling meal of shared plates and many chopsticks, perfect for lingering conversation and second (or third) rounds. This rhythm of eating stems from the concept of 'ichigo ichie', which means 'one time, one meeting'. The idea that every encounter is unique, fleeting and worthy of your full presence. Izakaya aren't precious or pristine. They're casual but soulful, where the clatter of dishes and laughter merge with the buzz of neon. It's where office workers cry after a hard day. Where lovers share secrets across plates of grilled squid. Where new friendships are born over cups of warm sake. This communal dining concept is less about ceremony, more about connection. Fluid, unfiltered and lubricated by alcohol, soft lighting and the comfort of small dishes that keep coming.
Tatler Asia
10-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
A deeper dive into the vision behind the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka
Still reverberating on the world stage, the profound messaging of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka continues to unfold anew—and soon, it shall do so, even further, within the nation's heart At Expo 2025 Osaka, the magnificent pavilions of 165 participating countries stand as bastions of national and cultural pride. An estimated 28.2 million visitors are expected to visit the artificial Yumeshima Island over the Expo's six-month run, seizing the chance to witness these thematic architectural marvels until the end of October. A true collaborative feat, the Philippine Pavilion has since drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors, from all corners of the globe, to a deeply layered and sensorially stimulating exploration of the Filipino narrative. See also: How Osaka Expo's leading architects redefined national pavilions 'The Philippine Pavilion is our invitation for the world to connect with the heart and soul of the Filipino people and to discover the many reasons to love the Philippines,' added Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. 'We hope to inspire travellers to explore our 7,641 islands, experience the depth of our culture, marvel at the excellence of Filipino creativity and be moved by the stories of triumph and resilience of our communities.' Built around the theme 'Nature, Culture, and Community: Woven Together for a Better Future', the Pavilion responds to the Expo's call to design future societies by placing heritage and humanity at the heart of progress. It is the proud, diligent handiwork of multiple moving parts—the vision of the Philippine Organizing Committee (POC), led by the Department of Tourism and the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), and that of the commissioned design team of Carlo Calma Consultancy, Inc as lead architectural firm and designer, Chochay Garcia as producer and creative director, architect Yuki Kanou as executive architect and lead project manager and Tellart as guest experience designer. Above Exterior view of the Philippine Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka They also partnered with renowned artists and cultural champions, like Kenneth Cobonpue and Francis Dravigny, who worked closely with over 200 weavers and artisans from across the country. 'At its core, Woven is not just the name of the Philippine Pavilion—it is the story of how this project came to life,' shared Margarita Nograles, TPB chief operating officer and secretary general of the POC. 'What you see at Expo 2025 Osaka is a collective achievement. It is the weaving together of ideas, traditions and people, grounded in the shared desire to tell the Filipino story with authenticity and soul. Crafted Immersion Most striking, perhaps, about the Pavilion is its thoughtfully designed façade: a moving mosaic of handwoven panels, housing 212 indigenous textiles, ranging from T'nalak to piña. This single endeavour brought together 2,331 artisans from 121 communities, many of whom are beneficiaries of the TPB's Community-Based Tourism (CBT) programmes. This itself is a statement, said Carlo Calma. 'We wanted the structure itself to breathe and move with the stories it holds. It reflects who we are as Filipinos—always in motion, always evolving, always expressive.' Above Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco in SOCCSKSARGEN Above Architects Justine Jugueta, Carlo Calma and Yuki Kanou Additionally, rather than treating scaffolding as mere temporary support, engineers evaluated their yield strength to adapt them into structural components. 'The habitable space within the scaffolding was transformed into a dynamic architectural element where the live performances take place,' explained Calma. Until recently, artists from Ballet Philippines carried out these performances, bringing warmth and vibrancy to the Pavilion and ensuring there's always something unique to look forward to. Inside, the treasure trove of our rich heritage continues to unfold. The curated space is anchored by its 18 woven art pieces, each hanging from above and representing a region of the Philippines. Painstakingly created over six months by master artisans blending traditional and unconventional materials—abaca, cotton, upcycled fruit packaging material, even chicken feathers— these evocative works portray lush landscapes, crystalline waters, colourful festivals and culinary traditions. Each comes alive with integrated light, sound and projections that draw guests into the heart of every region. Above Each region of the Philippines is represented by a woven art piece inside the Pavilion Above Marga Nograles with weavers at Lake Sebu 'One of the most powerful tools we've built into the Pavilion is the integration of QR codes linked to each of the handwoven art pieces,' Nograles additionally shared. These codes lead visitors to deeper stories— and ultimately, to curated travel itineraries available on the Travel Philippines app. This will hopefully translate the global reception into actual visits to our shores. Also showcasing the fusion of tradition and technology, Dancing with Nature is another highlight of the interior space, transforming visitors from mere observers into participants. Through generative algorithms, guests' movements ripple into emerald fronds, dissolve into iridescent swimming fish or blossom into vibrant petals. This interactive installation, developed in collaboration with Tellart, reinforces the Pavilion's core message—that harmony begins with connection. More from Tatler: Reimagining the narratives of the past: the UP Vargas Museum highlights works by Lee Paje and Ampannee Satoh Beyond this, the Pavilion will offer tactile pleasures and tastes as tangible cultural experiences. The Habi Gift Shop invites visitors to run their fingers over unique keepsakes, each one a testament to Filipino artistry. For those seeking respite, especially amidst the bustle of the Expo, the Hilot Wellness Space promises the soothing touch of traditional Filipino healing massages. And finally, the Hain Takeout Counter beckons with the aromatic promise of homegrown flavours, from the rich, savoury notes of adobong manok sa gata to the delightful sweetness of halo-halo . Above Live performances are held daily at the Philippine Pavilion 'The Pavilion is a long-term investment in our communities, culture and the artisans who keep our heritage alive,' Nograles tells Tatler . The government is committed to strengthening the CBT across the Philippines, supporting them through capacity building workshops and promoting market access that connects them to broader audiences. The TPB COO adds, 'Our goal is to ensure that the Pavilion serves not as a culmination, but as a launchpad—elevating these communities and ensuring they continue to thrive long after the Expo concludes.' With sustainability as a clear cornerstone of the POC's vision, the Philippine Pavilion is designed to outlive the festivities of the Expo 2025 Osaka. Its key elements, including the grand frontage, are poised for a second act at the National Museum of the Philippines, where they will be repurposed and displayed for years to come. 'I think it is important for the spirit and significance of the Pavilion to endure meaningfully within our national narrative,' articulates Jeremy Barns, the museum's director-general. 'It is not only by breathing new life into its physical elements—the artworks, the structure, its design—but also the ideas, aspirations and cultural expressions it embodies. More than an architectural structure, the pavilion is a statement of identity, creative and artistic excellence and, most of all, resilience.' By hosting its homecoming, the National Museum amplifies the Pavilion's message with fresh meaning and relevance long after its debut on the world stage. What could have been a fleeting spectacle now secures its place as a continuous wellspring of inspiration and national pride. The partnership between the POC and this particular government trust is strikingly deliberate and robust, underpinned by their shared zeal to honour, preserve and promote our cultural heritage on the global stage while fostering open access for all Filipinos. Nograles captured it best when she professed her hope that visitors come away with a true sense of how deep, diverse and alive Filipino culture is. 'No amount of technology can replace human warmth, and that's where the Philippines shines,' she shared. 'Our strength lies in our people— their stories, their creativity, their hospitality. Through immersive storytelling, whether at the Pavilion or across our islands, we honour those narratives and invite the world to not only learn about the Philippines but to feel it.' NOW READ Giving thanks: The Tourism Promotions Board's 'Pasasalamat' party National Gallery Singapore introduces shifts in perspectives through its Zóbel exhibition and more How to use the refreshed Travel Philippines app for your future trips
Tatler Asia
10-07-2025
- Tatler Asia
Remembering Pitoy Moreno—The Metropolitan Museum's tribute to a fashion icon
A highlight of the evening was a special segment featuring artists who were once recipients of Moreno's scholarships at the University of the Philippines. The M invited them to create works inspired by his fashion. The artists, including Issay Rodriguez, Carlito Camahalan Amalla and Digo Acuzar presented pieces in the museum's foyer which are available for purchase in support of The M's programmes. The night culminated in a musical performance by the UP Manila Choir, whose a cappella rendition of 1970s Manila Sound classics concluded with Bongga Ka 'Day , a fitting tribute to Moreno—himself referenced in the song as a symbol of glamour. The gala celebrated not only Pitoy Moreno's extraordinary body of work and artistry but also his enduring influence on generations of designers and his commitment to elevating Philippine culture on the global stage. See also: Filipino-British actor Claire-Marie Hall on 'Operation Mincemeat' and the joy of performing 'Pitoy often said that true beauty lives not only in design, but in how we connect with one another. Through your presence, support, and stories, you've proven that true,' shared Magsaysay-Ho. The gala also launched The M Museum's new membership programme, which grants year-long complimentary access for members and their guests. Proceeds from the event will support the museum's educational initiatives, exhibitions and cultural preservation efforts, enabling the team to continue the promotion, preservation and betterment of Philippine arts and culture. The success of Remembering Pitoy was made possible through the support of institutional partners, including the Jusi & Pina Foundation, BPI, Lexus and Tatler, among others. In celebrating Moreno, The M not only honoured a national treasure, but reaffirmed its role as a guardian of Philippine heritage—fashioned not just from fabric, but from memory, meaning and shared identity. His legacy is not only stitched into the gowns he created but also tightly woven into the many lives he touched and the causes he championed.
