Coming to America 1988
Directed by
John Landis
Made by
Paramount Pictures
Plot Summary
In the colorful kingdom of Zamunda, Crown Prince Akeem Joffer reaches a significant milestone: his 21st birthday. However, he finds himself longing for something beyond the extravagant lifestyle that his royal lineage provides. When his parents, King Jaffe and Queen Aoleon, present him with a bride arranged by them, Akeem seizes this opportunity to forge his own path. Alongside his loyal friend and confidant, Semmi, Akeem embarks on a quest to find a woman who will love him for himself, rather than for his royal title.
Disguised as financially strapped foreign students, they settle into a modest tenement in Long Island City, Queens, a stark contrast to their previously luxurious lifestyle. Their journey to discover Akeem’s true love leads them to a vibrant community rally, where they encounter Clarence, a charismatic local businessman, and meet Lisa McDowell, who embodies independence and charm. Captivated by her personality, Akeem convinces Semmi that they should take entry-level jobs at McDowell’s, a bustling fast-food establishment owned by Cleo McDowell, Lisa’s father.
As Akeem pursues Lisa, he faces challenges from her discontented boyfriend, Darryl Jenks, whose family runs a popular hair care brand, Soul Glo. Tensions rise when Darryl announces their engagement without Lisa’s approval, leading her to begin dating the captivating prince. Meanwhile, Akeem revels in his newfound appreciation for the everyday struggles of the common folk, working diligently alongside Semmi at McDowell’s.
On the other hand, Semmi struggles to adapt to their new, simpler life and indulges in luxuries, which frustrates Akeem. A pivotal moment occurs when Akeem takes it upon himself to confiscate Semmi’s money and donates it to two homeless men, an act of altruism that encourages Semmi to reassess his values. In an unexpected move, Semmi secretly sends a message to King Jaffe, triggering the royal family to travel to Queens in search of their missing prince.
Cleo’s initial skepticism of Akeem metamorphoses into genuine joy once he reveals his royal heritage. The unveiling of Akeem’s true identity sends shockwaves through their relationship, as he and Lisa seek refuge at the McDowell home under the pretense of secrecy. However, their moment of peace is short-lived, as Akeem’s parents arrive from Zamunda, complicating his relationship with Cleo and leaving Lisa feeling confused and betrayed by Akeem’s dishonesty.
Despite Akeem’s heartfelt plea to be accepted for who he is, free from the constraints of wealth and royalty, Lisa remains unwilling to forgive him, leaving Akeem despondent as he resigns himself to the arranged marriage set by his family. Meanwhile, Queen Aoleon challenges King Jaffe’s outdated traditions, advocating for their son’s happiness above all else.
The plot thickens during the wedding ceremony, where an emotionally shattered Akeem is astounded to discover that his obscured bride is, in fact, Lisa. As they ride triumphantly through Zamunda in a splendid carriage amidst enthusiastic crowds, Lisa is deeply touched by Akeem’s willingness to abandon his throne for her. Akeem, still committed to his love for her, offers to forsake his royal duties if she desires, but she playfully declines, her heart now overflowing with appreciation for her prince.
Timeline
Akeem's 21st Birthday
In the colorful kingdom of Zamunda, Crown Prince Akeem Joffer celebrates a significant milestone as he turns 21. He feels unfulfilled and desires something more meaningful than the luxurious life handed to him by his royal status.
Arranged Marriage Announcement
Akeem's parents, King Jaffe and Queen Aoleon, announce that they have arranged a marriage for him. This revelation triggers Akeem's decision to seek his own path in love and happiness, rather than accept the groom's role prescribed by tradition.
Journey to America
Determined to find true love, Akeem and his loyal friend Semmi disguise themselves as impoverished foreign students. They travel to Long Island City, Queens, leaving behind the extravagance of Zamunda in search of genuine connection.
New Lives in Queens
Settling into a modest tenement, Akeem and Semmi experience the stark contrast between their former royal life and the realities of everyday struggles. This transition sets the stage for Akeem’s personal growth and pursuit of love.
Meeting Lisa McDowell
Akeem and Semmi encounter Lisa McDowell at a vibrant community rally, where Akeem is instantly captivated by her independence and charm. Their connection deepens as Akeem realizes she might be the one he has been searching for.
Working at McDowell's
To get closer to Lisa, Akeem and Semmi take entry-level jobs at McDowell's, a fast-food restaurant owned by Lisa's father, Cleo. This experience further immerses Akeem in the struggles of ordinary life, fostering his appreciation for those around him.
Conflict with Darryl
Akeem faces challenges in his pursuit of Lisa due to her boyfriend, Darryl Jenks, who comes from a wealthy family. Darryl’s announcement of their engagement brings tension, pushing Lisa to reevaluate her feelings for Akeem.
Semmi's Struggles
Semmi grapples with adapting to their new lifestyle, often yearning for the luxuries of their previous life. A pivotal moment occurs when Akeem decides to donate Semmi's hidden money to the homeless, prompting a wake-up call for his friend.
Royal Search for Akeem
In a surprising turn, Semmi sends a message to King Jaffe, which leads the royal family to Queens looking for Akeem. This revelation alters the dynamics between Akeem and his new friends as his true identity looms over their interactions.
Reveal of Akeem's Identity
When Akeem reveals his royal heritage to Cleo McDowell, the reaction is mixed, shifting from skepticism to joy. However, this truth complicates his budding romance with Lisa, who feels deceived and uncertain about Akeem's intentions.
Confrontation with King Jaffe
Akeem’s parents arrive from Zamunda, leading to a confrontation about Akeem's choices and desires. Despite the royal pressure to marry someone of status, Akeem expresses his wish to be accepted for who he truly is, which stirs discontent.
Akeem's Despondency
Struggling with rejection from Lisa, Akeem resigns himself to the arranged marriage imposed by his father. Meanwhile, Queen Aoleon challenges King Jaffe to reconsider their outdated traditions and prioritize Akeem’s happiness.
The Wedding Revelation
At the wedding ceremony, Akeem is heartbroken to discover that his bride is Lisa, the very woman he loves. This shocking twist prompts a whirlwind of emotions and questions about loyalty, love, and sacrifice.
Joyful Carriage Ride
After the wedding, Akeem and Lisa ride triumphantly through Zamunda in a magnificent carriage. The enthusiastic crowd celebrates their union, showcasing their love and Akeem’s willingness to sacrifice his royal duties for her happiness.
Love and Commitment
With the newfound appreciation for their relationship, Akeem offers to forsake his royal title for Lisa’s sake. This heartwarming moment reflects their deep connection and mutual respect, solidifying their bond as partners in love.
Characters
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.
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.
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.
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.
Setting
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.
Themes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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