1. The Blind Side

This 2009 film, starring Sandra Bullock, won an Oscar for Best Actress. It tells the story of Michael Oher - who currently plays offensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans – from his humble beginnings as the son of a drug-addict mother, his adoption into the Tuohy family, and his success in football. They say that behind every success of a man is a woman, and this is where Leigh Anne Tuohy (Bullock’s character) comes into play. Her character is a composite of warring values – for instance, tough and caring – but in her you see the mother who just wants the best for her child. This is one of those movies for Mother’s Day that tells you that motherhood is not just defined by blood, but by the matters of the heart.

2. The Joy Luck Club

The relationship of Chinese mothers and daughters can be a peculiar one owing to high expectations and fear of failure. This movie was based on the 1989 novel by Amy Tan of the same title. One can say that a Chinese mother’s love language is manifested in ways that are difficult to understand. This film gives you a feel of that love.

3. Mamma Mia!

Starring the everlasting ball of energy that is Meryl Streep, Mamma Mia is one Mother’s Day movie to watch if only to reminisce the songs of Abba. No, I’m not kidding! This one is just fun, bouncy and full of sunshine that makes you want to dress pretty and sing to your heart’s content. In the midst of all the singing though is the loving relationship between Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) and her mother, Donna Sheridan (played by Streep), who live on the Greek island of Kalokairi.

4. Stepmom

By now you know that I love comedy-drama films and Stepmom, starring Susan Sarandon, Ed Harris and Julia Roberts joins this elite bunch. Here you meet Jackie and Isabel, two women in the lives of Luke and his children, Anna and Ben. Jackie is the ex-wife and mother of the two children, while Isabel is the current girlfriend, who is living with Luke. Imagine the drama and the chaos as these characters collide in one scene! A masterpiece by the director of Mrs. Doubtfire and the producer of Forrest Gump, Stepmom brought me tears and laughter as I basked in the glory of motherhood.

5. Postcards from the Edge

This is another film that was based on the book of the same title. But it's a movie starring Shirley MacLaine and Merryl Streep, so this is no ordinary film. Talk about a daughter who wanted to get out of his mother’s shadow! It's actually a semi-autobiographical story by Carrie Fisher - yes she of the Star Wars gold bikini fame and daughter of Debbie Reynolds.

6. Terms of Endearment

I wasn’t born when this movie came out in 1983, but yes, I admit, I love Shirley MacLaine and here is another movie of hers that I hold dear. Terms of Endearment captures the typical love-hate relationship between mother and daughter and in this film, MacLaine is exceptional in being the central character, moving the story to the direction it should be taking. She’s feisty, she’s tough, she’s pretty. What's not to love? Quick trivia: Shirley won her only Oscar for this role.

7. Anywhere but Here

Yes, I also like Susan Sarandon. And yes, she is in this film playing the role of Adele August, the mother of Natalie Portman’s character, Ann. What’s fun and festive in this movie is the reversal of roles between the two: Adele is rebellious and carefree while her teenage daughter, Ann, exudes self-discipline and restraint. Watch out for the dialogues between the two!

It’s going to be my first Mother’s Day with my own kids by my side (I was still pregnant on last year’s MD) and I am truly looking forward to it. We plan to welcome it with these movies. Any thoughts on movies for Mother’s Day?