“Let us not forget that art and entertainment do affect the masses and the masses affect the arts. In many ways, what is popular and successful is a barometer of where we are and where we’re headed.”
An article by writer and self proclaimed feminist Juliette Frette recently appeared on The Huffington Post discussing female empowering films. Frette acknowledges that while there is still much work to be done in the world in terms of equality for women, film wise, perhaps we’re not doing so bad. Listing such recent films as Bridesmaids, Snow White and the Huntsmen, and Brave, it’s a compelling reminder of all the wonderful, strong female films to come out of Hollywood in the past few years. And as she states in the quote above, let us all remember the power and influence films can have on the world at large.
Some other films, new and old, we can add to Frette’s list are:
- Ever After, A Cinderella Story – A modern, feminist version of the classic Cinderella story. Set in the 16th century, intelligent and fiery Danielle de Barbarac (Drew Barrymore) fights for her Prince Henry (Dougray Scott) rather than passively waits for her prince to come.
- Practical Magic – Witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens (Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) don’t let Gillian’s ex-boyfriend get away with his stalking and physical abuse. They fight back even when he comes back from beyond the grave.
- Erin Brockovich – Broke single mother Erin Brockovich (Julia Roberts) gets a job as a secretary at a law firm and single handedly uncovers that Pacific Gas & Electric is poisoning the drinking water in the small town of Hinkley, CA.
- 9 to 5 – Employees Judy, Violet, and Doralee (played by Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda) don’t let their dishonest, womanizing boss, Franklin Hart (Dabney Coleman), get away with his nasty behavior. They don’t just get mad, they get hilariously even.
- Out of Africa - Karen Blixen, a wealthy Danish woman played by Meryl Streep, moves to British East Africa (now Kenya) with her new husband, Bror, to run a coffee plantation. Bror proves to not only be unfaithful but also of little help to the endeavor, leaving strong willed and independent Karen completely in charge of the plantation. A beautiful and moving film depicting the strength and resilience of one woman in a male dominated society.
What movies would you add to the list? Keep the discussion going in the comments below or by Tweeting us!
The Hours
[...] shows. This year, there’s some great female power in the new network shows. Since we previously highlighted some favorite female empowering movies, now it’s time to look at some strong female [...]