Coming to America
Westward Atlantic crossing
Coming to America is a 1988 comedy film starring Eddie Murphy as an African prince who travels to New York City to find a bride.
The title has become shorthand for immigrant arrival narratives generally: My grandfather's coming to America story started at Ellis Island.
The phrase evokes themes of opportunity, culture shock, and the American dream.
- AkeemArabic name meaning wise
- QueensEasternmost NYC district
- barbershopHair-cutting establishment
- rose petalsDetached flower segments
U.S. residency document
- visaTravel authorization stamp
- citizenshipStatus as state member
- starting overBeginning again from scratch
- assimilationAbsorbing into a whole
culture shock · newcomer · opportunity · melting pot · working class · Queens · New York · apartment
Mockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
- fish-out-of-waterOne in alien circumstances
- slapstickExaggerated physical humor
- romantic comedyHumorous love story genre
disguise · mistaken identity · sight gags · deadpan · impersonation · rags-to-riches · comedic misunderstanding · ensemble cast
Seeking journey for something
- voyageJourney by sea
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
- independenceFreedom from external control
escape · exploration · freedom · transformation · odyssey · pilgrimage · crossing · new world
Royal family male
- kingdomMonarch's ruled territory
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- palaceMonarch's official residence
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
arranged marriage · wealth · servants · monarchy · African royalty · heir · royal court · king
Eddie Murphy
- AkeemArabic name meaning wise
- QueensEasternmost NYC district
- barbershopHair-cutting establishment
Arsenio Hall · rose petals · bathers · royal barge · James Earl Jones
green card
U.S. residency document
- visaTravel authorization stamp
- citizenshipStatus as state member
- starting overBeginning again from scratch
assimilation · culture shock · newcomer · opportunity · melting pot · working class · Queens · New York · apartment · bootstrap
satire
Mockery exposing vice
- parodySatirical imitation
- fish-out-of-waterOne in alien circumstances
- slapstickExaggerated physical humor
romantic comedy · disguise · mistaken identity · sight gags · deadpan · impersonation · rags-to-riches · comedic misunderstanding · ensemble cast · physical comedy
quest
Seeking journey for something
- voyageJourney by sea
- adventureRisky exciting undertaking
- self-discoveryLearning one's true character
independence · escape · exploration · freedom · transformation · odyssey · pilgrimage · crossing · new world · leaving home
prince
Royal family male
- kingdomMonarch's ruled territory
- throneCeremonial chair for sovereigns
- palaceMonarch's official residence
crown · arranged marriage · wealth · servants · monarchy · African royalty · heir · royal court · king · queen
- 1988Rain Man, Die Hard, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Beetlejuice, Midnight Run
- 80s Pop CultureBack to the Future, E.T., Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, The Breakfast Club
- ComediesThe Hangover, Bridesmaids, Ghostbusters, Blazing Saddles, The Naked Gun
- Paramount FilmsThe Godfather, Titanic, Forrest Gump, Top Gun, Grease
- Black CinemaDo the Right Thing, Moonlight, Black Panther, Friday, The Color Purple