Mythology

The Joy Luck Club

The film "The Joy Luck Club" is a classic example of a mythical tale. First, it is told as a complex of stories that may be fact or may be fantasy, and it illustrates a deeper meaning to life and the characters' reaction to life. The film is also mythical in that it tells the story of two different cultures, the culture of the older women who grew up in China and have tried to retain much of their home culture (such as their weekly mahjong games and their favorite foods). Then there is the new generation, their daughters, who have little interest in their culture and have made themselves as totally American as possible. This shows the mind and character of these two generations, and they are symbolic of the changes that occur between generations, cultures, and values.

This film looks at the minds and characters of these women, and analyzes them to show why they do the things they do. They indicate these women all have hopes and fears and aspirations for themselves and for others around them. However, there are everything from language barriers to misunderstandings and demands between mothers and daughters. In this, it could be the story of any mother and daughter anywhere, because it tells the tale of two different generations with different ideas and different aspirations. The characters reconcile in the end, so as in many myths, the ending is "happy" and gives hope for the future, and teaches a lesson at the same time. It shows that even those with differences can learn to understand and accept each other, and perhaps even appreciate each other's unique differences. June will never be her mother or her mother's friends, but she will have a better understanding of who they are and what they have lived through, which will give her a greater appreciation for their experiences and why they want to hang on to their culture. This film is really the epitome of a mythical story, because it embodies so many elements of the classic mythical tale.