Coming to America

Coming to America

Year: 1988

Runtime: 116 min

Language: English

Director: John Landis

DramaComedyRomance

In the land of Zamunda, Prince Akeem's search for love takes an unexpected turn when he defies tradition to find a queen who loves him for who he is, not just his royal title. Disguised as a humble fast-food worker, he woos Lisa in 1980s Queens, but must balance his growing feelings with the secrets of his true identity and the pressures of his African heritage.

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Timeline & Setting – Coming to America (1988)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Coming to America (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The story unfolds in contemporary times, addressing themes of love, identity, and the clash between tradition and modernity. It showcases a period where social norms around royal duties, romantic autonomy, and personal choice are being contested.

Location

Zamunda, Long Island City, Queens

Zamunda is a fictional African kingdom known for its rich culture, vibrant traditions, and royal heritage. It serves as the lavish backdrop for Prince Akeem's origins and reflects his struggle between tradition and personal happiness. In contrast, Long Island City, Queens is a bustling urban area that embodies the challenges and simplicity of everyday life, where Akeem embarks on his quest for love.

🏰 Kingdom 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Main Characters – Coming to America (1988)
Meet the key characters of Coming to America (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Akeem Joffer

Akeem is the charming and idealistic Crown Prince of Zamunda, yearning to break free from royal expectations. He embarks on a quest to find true love based on mutual respect rather than obligation. His character evolves as he experiences life as an ordinary man, confronting social realities while staying committed to his heart.

💖 Prince 🌍 Adventurous 🎭 Romantic

Semmi

Semmi is Akeem's loyal friend and confidant, providing comic relief and support throughout their journey in America. Though he struggles with the hardships of their new life, his character ultimately learns valuable lessons about humility and the importance of friendship. Semmi represents the contrast between royal indulgence and the challenges of everyday living.

🤵 Loyal Friend 😂 Comedic 💰 Indulgent

Lisa McDowell

Lisa is an independent and charming woman who captures Akeem's heart. She embodies strength and resilience, navigating her complicated feelings amidst societal expectations. Lisa's character reflects a progressive voice, advocating for her choices in love and life, ultimately challenging Akeem to embrace his true self.

👩‍💼 Independent ❤️ Charming 💪 Strong

Darryl Jenks

Darryl is Lisa's initial boyfriend, representing the pressures of conformity and social expectations. His character serves as a foil to Akeem, challenging the prince's romantic pursuits and causing tension in Lisa's life as she evaluates her own desires against societal norms.

🤵 Rival 💔 Complicated 💰 Wealthy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Major Themes – Coming to America (1988)
Explore the central themes of Coming to America (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Love

The central theme revolves around love, particularly the quest for genuine affection that transcends social status and wealth. Akeem seeks a partner who values him for himself rather than his royal lineage. This theme is further complicated by the interference of external expectations and societal pressures.

👑 Identity

Identity plays a crucial role as Akeem grapples with his responsibilities as a prince and his desire for personal authenticity. His journey highlights the struggle between adhering to royal traditions and pursuing individual happiness, ultimately leading to a quest for self-discovery.

⚖️ Tradition vs. Modernity

The film contrasts traditional values with contemporary desires, especially illustrated by Queen Aoleon's advocacy for her son's happiness over archaic customs. This theme invites reflection on the evolution of societal norms and the importance of personal choice in shaping one's destiny.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

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