The motion picture Coming to America is copyrighted by Paramount Pictures 1988. All rights reserved. Warning: this movie is rated R and contains material that may not be suitable for or appreciated by some audiences.

Consider the possibility that one of the most theologically insightful Hollywood films is Eddie Murphy's Coming to America. Let's first walk through the plot of the film. Then, we will delve into its insights.

The 1988 movie opens on a grand palace in Zamunda, Africa. It is the 21st birthday of Prince Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy. On this day, Prince Akeem is to be married to a woman he has never met (as it was arranged by his parents - King Jaffe Joffer, played by James Earl Jones and Queen Aoleon, played by Madge Sinclair). Yet, upon meeting her, the Prince's heart is unstirred. He takes her aside to talk privately.

There, he suggests that they get to know one another before being married. She responds, 'Ever since I was born, I was trained to serve you.' He asks what she likes to do, to which she responds 'Whatever you like.' Again, he asks what kind of music she likes and she responds 'Whatever kind of music you like.' He issues her a series of commands including barking like a dog and hopping on one leg. She complies immediately. The Prince decides that he cannot marry an obedient servant - he must find someone he loves and who loves him for who he is.