Today, we’re going to explain the movie titled, “Coming to America.” The story starts with a grand palace and the royal family of Zamunda waking up to celebrate the kingdom’s prosperous 30 years. Prince Akeem, along with his daughters Tanisha, Oma, and Meeka, engages in martial arts practice, but the girls always manage to outdo him.
Suddenly, an advisor named Semmi interrupts, informing them that the king wants to speak with the prince. Before they can continue, soldiers from Migsdoria arrive, led by General Izzy, who offers condolences for Akeem’s father, even though he’s still alive. General Izzy brings up a political marriage proposal from 30 years ago when Akeem left his sister at the altar, aiming to unite the two countries. Now, he suggests marrying his son to Akeem’s daughter, but the prince isn’t keen on the idea. However, General Izzy insists on the alternative that Akeem’s son, if he had one, could marry his daughter. Unfortunately, Akeem doesn’t have a son, and the General sees this as an advantage, warning of war if they don’t consider a political marriage. In the midst of this, it’s revealed that Akeem may have an illegitimate son, as per a vision from the court.
Semmi reminisces about 30 years ago when they were in an American bar, searching for the perfect woman for Prince Akeem. However, they settled for less ideal options, which didn’t matter in the end. Akeem felt embarrassed in front of his father and lashed out at Semmi for the situation. The Seer painted a vision, revealing the urgent need to bring the heir to Zamunda. The King wanted a spectacular funeral while he was still alive, and it became a grand performance with songs and dances, even featuring Morgan Freeman as the Toastmaster. With a smile on his face, the King passed away, and the country mourned. Akeem’s life was in danger, prompting the preparation of a Royal plane to return to America and find the heir.
The story takes us to the USA, where Laval Jones, the potential heir, turns 30 and is looking for a job but faces rejection in interviews. A Royal delegation arrives in America and visits the place where the once-cool bar now attracts pensioners. A man recognizes Laval from a drawing, and they reveal where to find him. Laval, who is selling tickets, is approached by Akeem in ordinary clothes, who confesses to being his father. Laval is confused but leads Akeem home, where relatives are celebrating his birthday. The boy’s mother, Mary, remembers the man from the bar. Akeem offers the throne to his son, but Laval refuses handouts. However, when Semmi’s suitcase spills a huge amount of money in gold bars, Laval changes his mind and agrees to fly to Zamunda on the condition that his mother accompanies him.
Lisa, Akeem’s wife, was furious when she discovered he had an illegitimate son, especially because he hadn’t informed her beforehand. Laval and Maria arrived, and they greeted the queen with hugs. Then, Laval was introduced to his sisters, who were shocked by the situation. Meanwhile, General Izzy was informed about the King’s son. During a family dinner that evening, they discussed Laval’s life, and it became evident that he hadn’t achieved much. Princess Meeka, despite her dreams of becoming a queen, was disappointed, as women cannot rule Zamunda. Akeem hoped for support from his wife, confessing that he once considered abandoning the throne, but it’s the law.
In the morning, Laval was awakened by servants, feeling euphoric as he believed the world now belonged to him. Three maids offered to wash him, and though excited, he consulted his mother, who assured him that such practices were accepted in the upper strata of society. Even Mary herself didn’t refuse the assistance of the Royal bathers. In his room, Laval encountered Marimba, the Royal hairdresser, and underwent a complete image transformation to be presented to the courtiers. Both mother and son acted awkwardly, unsure of how to communicate otherwise.
General Izzy arrived, supposedly to congratulate the King on his son’s return, and introduced his daughter, Papoto. However, Laval remained indifferent to the potential marriage proposal. When joining the dance, Papoto grabbed Laval’s neck, and the General reiterated the suggestion of an arranged marriage, but the Seer reminded them that Laval must pass a test first.
The General gave them a one-week deadline, which left them very disappointed. However, the King insisted they must abide by the law. Meeka continued her education, and Laval began learning etiquette and other disciplines to become a prince. The final task for him was to obtain the mustache of a resting lion, a prospect that horrified him. In the evening, Laval confided in Marimba, expressing that he felt this life wasn’t meant for him, and he feared he wouldn’t live up to his great-father’s expectations.
Marimba shared the legend of Prince Akeem, who traveled the world to find his love, Lisa, and advised Laval to be true to himself. He took the advice to heart, astonishing all the courtiers with his newfound manners. Laval introduced his personal assistant and “Uncle” Rome, who raised him as his own son, to his father.
As Laval’s learning became smoother, a royal wedding was planned. Meeka, however, considered all the pomp and circumstance a circus and a disgrace to their country. Despite her reservations, she continued her own training while Akeem and Uncle Rome instructed Laval in Western manners.
The final test involved obtaining the mustache of a lion, but Meeka revealed that it wasn’t just about courage—it was a test of the mind first. She helped Laval prepare for the task. On the day of testing, Laval managed to distract the lion with cat food in a cage, allowing him to cut off the mustache. Akeem was proud of his son.
The last step on Laval’s journey to becoming a Prince was ceremonial circumcision, but fortunately, it turned out to be a hoax and another test of courage.
After becoming a prince, Laval fainted when they tried to put the crown on his head. In the evenings, he had regular conversations with Marimba, discussing movies and other topics. Marimba expressed her desire for more freedom, revealing her dream of opening a beauty salon. However, in Zamunda, women were not allowed to have businesses. Laval promised that if he becomes king, he will work to improve the situation for women.
One evening, they shared a kiss, but Marimba regretted it as Laval was expected to marry Princess Papoto. The official coronation ceremony for Prince Laval took place, with various guests attending, including General Izzy and his daughter Papoto. Semmi and Uncle Rome also became friends, and Lucia Maria got along well.
Laval attempted to get to know Papoto better but realized she was only focused on pleasing her future husband, as that was the role of a wife in Zamunda. When he saw Marimba, he confessed that he wanted to marry her instead of Papoto. Laval overheard a conversation between his father and General Izzy, revealing that he was just a pawn in their political games. Feeling trapped, he decided to escape with his mother, uncle, and bride-to-be.
Akeem was informed about the escape of his heir, who had taken the Royal plane. The General reminded Akeem that the wedding was supposed to take place the next day. In his bedroom, Akeem was indignant, feeling he had done so much for his son, only to have him run away.
Meanwhile, Lisa, being drunk, expressed her frustration to her husband, Akeem, about their eldest daughter, Meeka. Despite Meeka’s dedication to her education and the kingdom, she was restricted from becoming queen simply because she was born a woman.
Lisa was furious with her husband and drove him out of the bedroom. Akeem, trying to sort out his thoughts, ended up cleaning in a local eatery and venting to the owner about his life. In a moment of realization, he acknowledged that he had always relied on his father’s opinion and had forgotten about his mother. Akeem decided to fly to America to bring back his son, leaving Semmi in charge.
In the USA, the king learned that Laval and Marimba were planning to get married that day. Meanwhile, at the church, Meeka tried to deceive General Izzy, but she ended up being taken prisoner. With her fighting skills, she fought back the fighters, and her sisters and Semmi came to her aid. Meeka faced General Izzy in a duel and defeated him, gaining control of the situation.
Akeem rushed into the church, but Laval was determined to stand by his decision. He expressed his refusal to be a pawn in their intrigues, and Akeem realized that he should bless his son’s choice and let him be happy. However, at the altar, Marimba hesitated, unsure if Laval could get married away from his family.
Lisa woke up to music arranged by her husband and he swore to always respect her opinion. People were then introduced to the prince’s new bride, Marimba. Akeem told his daughter that he would issue an appropriate decree and transfer the throne to her. General Izzy, by the way, also spoke of friendly relations.
The movie ends here with the promise of a new beginning.
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