Who doesn’t love movie nights at home? Tubs of hot, buttery popcorn, frozen berry slushes, comfy wool blankets, dim lighting and the company of dear friends watching the latest flicks…it doesn’t get better than this. A great way to put a spin on movie night, especially if you plan to do a movie marathon, is to give it a theme – say action features, rom-coms, comedies with Steve Martin or space flicks! The options are endless. Since we’re celebrating International Women’s Day this month, how about a movie marathon of the films that celebrate strong lead women characters? If you’re wondering what to watch, here are eight movies you absolutely shouldn’t miss…
Hidden Figures (2016)
Based on the book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures is set in 1961 and follows the work of Katherine Goble, a human computer at the West Area Computers division at Langley Research Centre; Mary Jackson, an aspiring engineer and Dorothy Vaughan, their unofficial acting supervisor – three African-American women who have to deal with segregation and racial and gender-based discrimination despite their qualifications and the incredible work. The three women play a pivotal role in the successful launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit. A movie that celebrates women’s intelligence!
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Led by the amazing Sandra Bullock, this flick is all about Gracie Hart, a tomboyish Special Agent for the FBI who is demoted to a desk job when a mistake on a mission ends with other agents being shot. But, when the department is alerted of a bomb threat at the upcoming Miss United States beauty pageant, Gracie enters the pageant as an undercover agent. She wows the judges through the rounds, and makes friends with the other contestants, all the while investigating and ruling out suspects in order to solve the mystery of the bomb threat before the pageant finale. A movie that celebrates women by putting them in men’s shoes!
Brave (2012)
A wonderful animation film to watch with the young girls in your life, Brave sees the defiant Princess Merida of Dunbroch challenging every lady-like imposition put on her. She lets her hair fly crazy in the wind, she hate wearing corsets and is a skilled archer. When the time comes to follow the ancient tradition of the allied clans’ first-born children competing for her hand in marriage, she manages to convince them all that she should compete for her own hand as she is a first-born too. She seeks to change her fate desperately, but could her plans bring harm to her loved ones and her father’s kingdom?
Erin Brockovich (2000)
Based on a true story, Julia Roberts plays Erin Brockovich, a single mother of three, who, despite lacking a formal education, convinces her lawyer to give her a job at the law firm. At work, no one takes her seriously, and she is constantly judged for her manners, what she wears and her style of interacting. Soon, Erin begins investigating Pacific Gas & Electric Company, which is involved in the illegal dumping of toxic waste that is poisoning the residents of the area. Her investigation leads to her law firm fighting a mammoth class action suit against the multi-million dollar corporation. A movie that celebrates women’s free spirit and confidence!
The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, the movie follows the journey of Andy an aspiring journalist and fresh graduate hoping to get a job at a leading publication. Though she loathes vanity and fashion, she lands a job as a junior personal assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. To fit her new work environment, Andy must do all it takes to transform herself, her style and her attitude. Struggling to keep up and forced to do things she is uncomfortable doing, she find herself caught between her dream career and her present life and relationships that seem to be crumbling under pressure.
Little Women (2019)
Though Louisa May Alcott’s classic has been reimagined in many film adaptations, Greta Gerwig’s ‘Little Women’ is a real treat! In 1860s America, there are four sisters – Jo, an aspiring writer; Meg, a mother of two; Beth a pianist who is ill; and Amy, an artist who goes to Paris to practise painting. When Beth gets further ill, Jo rushes home from New York to help and is reminded of memories of the four of them growing up. The timelines switch back and forth, as the four sisters do their best to make their individual dreams come true, while challenging societal expectations and stereotypes. A movie that celebrates women in every walk of life!
Go ahead and enjoy these Empowering Classics!