Often times when someone does not know much about a certain culture, films become their main source of “understanding,” despite all the inaccuracies that Hollywood provides to viewers. Movies can be notorious for stereotyping different cultures and lifestyles, which often leads to people having misconceptions of people and traditions from various backgrounds. But how big of an impact do these popular movies leave on the average viewer?

“Viewers just need to realize that a lot of these popular films are not necessarily realistic,” said Gianna Dullman, sophomore. “It is nice to be able to see these exaggerations but it is important to keep in mind what the culture is actually like in the real world.”

Many films that depict different aspects of American culture try to give off a more positive spin on the actual situations. Mob films like Goodfellas, The Godfather, and A Bronx Tale are dramatic yet romantic in the sense of the older Italian gangs. The musical West Side Story, though it is a tragedy, still attempts to romanticize gang violence and cultural differences within a community.

“In the movie Catch .44, it portrays how people from low-income background find themselves in a criminal situation,” said Treighton Hoang, junior. “I do not think that low-income directly leads to involvement in bad situations. Anyone would do the same if they had to.”

More recently filmmakers are trying to make films that are a little more accurate in highlighting different cultures and their traditions, both in American culture and heritages around the world. Movies like Moana and Coco, allow younger viewers to see portrayals created and casted by people of that particular culture, considering they are more knowledgeable of all the different parts that stand out in their heritage.

“Movies now like Moana truly brought Pacific Islander culture onto the big screen,” said Dullman, “through all different aspects: clothes, characters, and music style.”