An American Tail (1986)
This charming story revolves around the Mouskowitz family - a family of Jewish mice living in Russia at the time of the revolution. They have dreams of America, the land with no cats where all the streets are paved with cheese. The analogies are charming, and kids of all ages can experience some of immigration experience through the trials of the main character.
Bend it Like Beckham (2003)
This story highlights an Indian immigrant couple's daughter while living in the United Kingdom. The daughter has a dream of playing soccer, but that dream is constantly being challenged by traditional Indian culture. After all, to play the sport, one needs to "run around half-naked in front of men." While watching this movie, one can get the sense of the clash of cultures that can happen between cultures rooted in heritage versus culture rooted in the modern world.
In America (2003)
Told through the eyes of the 10 year-old daughter, this story is about an Irish family running away from the death of a son. They illegally immigrate to a rough neighborhood in New York City. As this is narrated from the young daughter, it is not excessively sad nor is it too saccharine sweet.
