Written by Charmaine Shaharin
Women play a big role in the movie industry keeping equality alive but most of all showing that sometimes they wear the pants especially when it comes to kicking ass or being the brightest in the room. Therefore, with Women’s march just being right around the corner, here are some movies with amazing female characters that we all wish aren’t just fictional.
Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality
Referring to her as the “bird box lady” seems like a bit of a downplay, considering how Sandra Bullock is one of Hollywood’s finest actresses. Therefore, her roles in movies are unforgettable especially when she played the tough and quirky police detective, Gracie Hart in the early 2000 movie, Miss Congeniality. The story follows a detective who has to go undercover as a beauty pageant contestant to find an unidentified bomber in the Miss United States beauty pageant show.
Bullock’s character portrays a huge “ She’s one of the bros” energy in every aspect of how she talks, eats and drinks, so yes expect this movie to be a comedy especially when she is forced to have a full 360 transformation which puts her in a dress and heels. Undoubtedly, this is a good movie for the tomboys out there who doubt that they can’t pull off a pair of heels because if you do feel that way, watch this movie because it has made some points that you can.
Therefore, what makes this movie amazing it’s not just how it’s a classic childhood gem, with the way it brings us back to how chick flick plots used to be, cliche but entertaining. So if you’re looking to relieve back those nostalgic days this movie is the one for you.
Milla Jovovich in Resident Evil
Resident Evil is the movie for you for some real zombie action with Milla Jovovich’s fearless female protagonist role as Alice, a badass clone who kills zombies with A-class fighting skills and amazing stunts that no one can pull but her, is unforgettable. Although it is understood that this movie is adapted from the video game itself, the movie offers its on twist to it in the story arcs especially the part where Alice is the lead female character in the movie.
Despite the long movie trilogy, what makes this movie amazing is the action in it and how when it comes to fighting especially mutated zombies, women wear the pants this time and prove that we do it well too, so Rick Grimes, from The Walking Dead, you may take a seat.
Keira Knightley in Collette
The historical genre was personally made for Keira Knightley as she stars in the inspiring biographical drama, Collette.
The story follows a timid country girl who ghostwrites for her literary entrepreneur husband but only rises out of the shadows when she starts to realise and appreciate her true talents and the rights that she has for them.
This movie is based on a true story which follows the life of French novelist and actor, Sidonie Gabrielle Collette and is set in the early 1870s which is a time where women were not appreciated as equals did not have a say in their possessions and earnings. It also gives us a clear understanding of the basis of why women turn to women when it comes to seeking encouragement and support.
Knightley’s character in the movie is captivating as we first see her as the girl who does things without question to the woman who embraces her gifts and true sexuality and finally owns up to what is rightfully hers. Truly, a movie that should not be missed out as it sheds a light on the hardships of equality of the time.
Anastasia
We tend to forget that animated films hold countless women empowering characters as well and one movie that defines that is Anastasia. Before this goes into detail, yes this is a princess story but the one which shows a hold different side of a princess. This movie follows the story of a young woman, Anastasia who embarks on a journey to find out that she’s the long lost princess of the Romanov throne after her palace was overrun by the evil wizard Rasputin when she was younger, leaving her only with vague memories.
Just like Mulan, Anastasia’s admiring role for her her independent personality comes from her brave backstory of having to fend for herself after she was separated from her family. Apart from that, she is also outspoken, confident but most of all genuine and original, proving not all lead female roles have to be perfect all the time. Apart from that, this movie is also a musical drama which features an underrated great soundtrack which is perfect for the music lovers out there and is family-friendly as well.
Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu in Hustlers
When it comes to the con game, the tables have turned as Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu star in this true story of a group of New York Strippers who drug wealthy clients to get a piece of their credit details in order to have a cut in it too, as a side con due to the 2008 recession.
The movie comes equipped with glittery costumes and amazing pole dancing scenes with other guest stars such as Cardi B and Lizzo. However, behind all that limelight, this movie does shed a light on sex work and how it is still considered as work and not a mean for exploitation for the male gaze as women are only trying to make an honest living from what they’ve been given with and expressing their talents.
This movie holds many great factors as well, which include a great blend of the diversity of strippers with different backstories that makes the audience connect with them but most of all a strong foundation of womanhood and the struggles that women face along with a truly heartwarming tale of trust and independence of sisterhood in friendship.
Harley Quinn : Birds of Prey
Harley Quinn might have always been in the limelight, but we’ve read the comics and watched the shows to know that her character had always lived behind the joker’s shadow, however, all that changes now in the Birds of prey movie as we see her heartbroken at first just like anyone would be after a breakup but up on her feet being her witty and fantabulous self. Margot Robbie’s role as Harley Quinn is no doubt the best ever, but it’s great that this time we don’t just see her in action but also other superheroes from the DC universe such as Black Canary, Huntress and Cassandra Cain.
That being said, it’s been a while since we’ve all seen a release of an all-women superhero movie, and birds of prey, in particular, is an interesting one. This is because it’s a stand-alone film and not a continuation of the Suicide Squad. Instead, it’s a movie that acknowledges solely on Harley Quinn’s role, making her in the spotlight this time and focuses on her journey with other superheroes.
Apart from that, there are many aspects of the film to appreciate from the fashion as it shows a whole new view of the underground nightclub scene in Gotham, the setting and the witty dialogues, along with the character portrayal. However, it’s without a doubt that what was heartwarming about this show was to see teamwork amongst a band of superheroes and villains to take down someone much bigger than their differences than they hold towards each other.
Little Women
Countless remakes have been made about this movie, and no matter what the number is, the legendary classic by Louisa May Alcott still holds a special place in everyone’s heart about the power of sisterhood within the March sisters.
Although the timeline of the movie is set in the civil era, the lessons that transcends time can be relatable in any time frame, as a relatable moral to gain from this movie is to always believe in yourself and put your ambition first to achieve your dreams which clearly can be seen by the most ambitious and outspoken sister of the clan, Jo March. It’s without that from all those years, she still serves as a role model for us all till this day.
Apart from that, the other sisters in the movie such as Meg, Beth and Amy also do teach us to have compassion for your loved ones, expressing yourself but most of all, it is okay to want to the same things in life whether it’s having to settle down and start a family or being different from others and carving your future.
That being said, this is a family-friendly feel-good movie with meaningful values for everyone out there who has been feeling down and out, as this film will lift your spirits and keep you in track, to be the amazing individual you are for this coming year.
Mulan
Of course, who can forget the warrior who birthed numerous memes that spread like wildfire on the internet, stirred up rumours that Commander Shang was bi-curious, but most importantly, saved China from the Hun invasions with the help of 3 warriors whom dressed up as Geishas, and Mushu.
The movie delves into its many lessons and morals, but what was most apparent and arguably, the most important one of them all was belief in one’s self, belief in one’s ability to conquer, and it was that belief that allowed her to best her opponents with her strength and cunning ability, as well as stage the final scene which took down the Huns in one fell swoop.
You don’t need anybody else. You only need you.
