terms of endearmentTypically, Mother's Day brings out the usual suspects. Candy, cards, flowers, the occasional gift card for a manicure and pedicure. These of course are all wonderful gifts -- and we all know it's the thought that counts -- but how about doing something different this year? How about watching a movie?

Whether it's preceded by lunch with your own mother or accompanied by cocktails with girlfriends, these five mother/daughter movies are sure to make you thankful you're a mom, or simply grateful for all the moms in your life.

Terms of Endearment. Warning, extra boxes of tissues are required! This five-Academy Award winning movie (including Best Picture) covers the 30-year relationship between Aurora (Shirley MaClaine) and her daughter, Emma (Debra Winger). Prepare to laugh at all the true-to-life moments, but mainly be prepared to bawl your eyes out!

The Joy Luck Club. Based on the best-selling novel by Amy Tan, this movie focuses on four Chinese women who immigrated to San Francisco and the relationships with their daughters and grandchildren. The film interweaves 16 mother-daughter tales over four women playing the Chinese game, Mahjong (a game my mother played). As the vignettes switch back and forth in time, we see how the daughters begin to appreciate the struggles their mothers went through to start their families in the United States. Touching, sweet, and a wee bit more light-hearted than Terms.

Little Women. You have two options for this one -- the 1933 version, or the 1994 version; both based on the eponymous Louisa May Alcott novel. The '94 version stars Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Claire Danes, and Christian Bale. Like the novel and the '33 version, it follows four sisters and the struggles they get through with the guidance of their mother. The perfect movie to watch with a group of girls -- and a bottle (or two) of vino!

Pieces of April. Another great movie to watch with friends, Pieces of April shows how April (Katie Holmes -- in one of her best performances!) attempts to host her first Thanksgiving for her dysfunctional family. Though overall hilarious, the movie manages to get in the mushy stuff, as April learns to appreciate her family amidst the chaos.

White Oleander. Based on the Oprah Book Club book, this juicy movie stars Michelle Pfeiffer, Robin Wright Penn, and Renee Zellweger, and involves poisonings, shootings, strippers, and prison. It's the kind of movie your husband actually may be willing to watch if you can't rally your own mom or your girlfriends!

What are some of your favorite mother/daughter movies?

 

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