Who run the world…GIRLS! is the powerful line from Beyoncé’s unapologetic anthem to the power of femininity. Not only was the song a hit, but it gives empowerment to all women to stand up for themselves. Most of the time, it is undeniable that women are viewed as the weaker gender. However, women around the world have certainly proved that statement wrong. By putting their mind and soul first, the gym is no longer a place for males only and self-defence classes aren’t just to protect themselves but as an exercise.
One thing for sure is that the chances of being damsels in distress are declined. Here are our top choices of films that embody women empowerment. Also, if you haven’t watched any of it yet — be warned, spoilers ahead.
Winter’s Bone (2010)
This independent American film is adapted from Daniel Woodreil’s novel of the same name and is about a young woman named Ree. The disarming level headed and strong woman faces life’s difficult challenges besides the fact that the absence of her parents and their life of poverty is no help either.
However given the obstacles, she is the caring exemplary that manages to look after her two younger siblings despite just being seventeen. Aside from its chilling realism, this film implies that the power of women and motherhood is important especially in a family that wishes to steer away from poverty.
Brave (2012)
From the Scottish highlands comes a new breed of an animated princess, Merida. This hilarious Disney film is about an adventurous redhead who is determined to change her fate. Hunger for a taste of adventure, she is willing to risk everything by grabbing destiny by the horns and to also find a solution that works best for everyone. Trying to break the tradition of what womanhood should be, Merida braves through the film by taking matters into her own hands along with her trusty bow and arrow.
Moana (2016)
This Disney film tells the story of a 16-year-old girl named Moana, the chief’s daughter of a Polynesian Island known as Motunui. Unlike other girls of the same age, Moana does not have the desire to settle down yet.
However, she has something else in mind. She is keen on exploring the ocean and finding what is beyond it that can be her destiny. At the same time, she finds a solution for the island’s deteriorating resources. Although she was restrained by her father to stay within the island’s reef, Moana set her heart out by deciding to venture out to the open sea.
Moana certainly is a true heroine who exhibits fearlessness and compassion by keeping in mind that there is a bigger world out there beyond herself.
Hidden Figures (2016)
There are plenty of films out there about science and technology. Though one thing that is quite rare is featuring a film with women of colour taking over the STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) industry. Hence why Hidden Figures is such an inspiring biographical drama film especially to all women. It tells the true story of three African-American mathematicians, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Dorothy Vaughan who served as human computers for NASA.
These women calculated the complex equations for the launch and landing trajectories for John Glenn to orbit the Earth in 1962, all by hand hence being called “human calculators.” Often criticised for being different, these women have put a stop to all discrimination, especially racism and sexism in the STEM industry. Daring to be the first to break new ground, they were known as American heroes.
Wonder Woman (2017)
From the title, it is not difficult to wonder what this movie is all about. Wonder Woman revolves around the character, Diana, the daughter of Queen Hippolyta. She was born and raised on a hidden island of Themyscira, also known as the home to Amazonian women warriors created by Zeus to protect mankind.
With extraordinary powers, this half-god, half-mortal super creature grew up to be a strong but curious young woman who one day, rescues US pilot Captain Steve Trevor. Upon learning there is a war beyond the sacred walls of Themyscira, Diana decided to help and put a stop to the war as she believes it to be the work of Ares. By leaving the only land she knows, she visits the whole new world outside and protects the people that are in danger.
The reflex and fighting skills that are shown in the film will certainly give you goosebumps and make you scream “WOMEN EMPOWERMENT.”
Captain Marvel (2019)
From being an airforce pilot to intergalactic superhero, Carol Danvers is a half-human, half-Kree warrior that is powerful enough to take on any criminal. Known for her hot temper, she is asked to tone it down during fights as it might jeopardise the people around her. It isn’t a sexist move, after all, Captain Marvel checks all the usual superhuman ability such as speed, durability, strength, agility and reflexes and that is quite dangerous.
Besides the fact that Captain Marvel does protect the universe, there is a key dynamic of women power shown in the film and one of it is the female friendship between Carol Danvers and Maria Rambeau.
Images via Disney, Forbes, Film Affinity, Roto Scoopers, Medium