Two Nations, One Screen

Hey there!

    This week, I'm diving into movies. My family are big movie watchers—it’s something we’ve always done together, with a bowl of popcorn. My dad and brother are especially huge movie buffs, while my mom and I love our shows more, but we’re always up for a good drama or romance. We've also watched a fair share of Mexican and Irish movies over the years.

    For the Spanish-language films, we usually watch them in Spanish with English subtitles. These are often movies my dad grew up with, or famous ones adapted from great books. Mexican cinema is vibrant and full of colorful storytelling, often weaving in indigenous cultural heritage. The tone of the movies is typically emotionally intense and dramatic. A few of my favorites are Under the Same Moon, Instructions Not Included, Nacho Libre, and Miss Bala. These films pull you in completely—sometimes I walk away crying, laughing, or just reflecting on the deep messages they leave behind.                               

    Irish films, in some ways, are similar to Spanish ones, but with some key differences. For one, Irish movies are typically in English, since it’s the primary language in Ireland. Irish cinema tends to be more understated and naturalistic, with a slower pace. Many films focus on mythology and Irish folklore, which is central to the culture, and are often set in small rural communities or the countryside. The tones are usually a mix of humor and tragedy, with a balance of wit and dark comedy—light and dark together. A few of my favorite Irish films are The Secret of Roan Inish, Waking Ned Devine, Intermission, and Dancing at Lughnasa. I love folklore and mythology, so Irish films really resonate with me. Plus, they make me feel closer to that side of my family.