Awaken the feminist in you by watching these five films
Throughout centuries, society has declared how women should be; conservative, feminine, hospitable, selfless, and domestic. In the past, women bowed their heads, in fear of men diminishing their already feeble position in society. But times have changed. Women are now recognizing the fact that they are not mere tools for human reproduction. Modern women now march the streets, breaking the ceilings placed by society. And, these films perfectly encapsulate that.
Here are five films that portray real women and their struggles, awakening the feminist in you:
A film on law and politics: On The Basis Of Sex (2018)
This film bares the early years in the life of Ruth Bater Ginsburg (Felicity Jones), the associate justice of the US Supreme Court since 1993. It discusses her struggles as a woman, mother, professor, and lawyer – all while fighting against gender discrimination and sexism.
If the law differentiates on the basis of sex, then how will women and men ever become equals?
Ruth married Martin “Marty” Ginsburg. Besides that, she was a mother when she entered law school. She trod a long and rocky path to get there but there seems to be more obstacles lying ahead of her. That is until she encounters a case that may just be the catalyst to break the system and manifest change. This film tackles laws that promote gender discrimination. It heavily emphasizes women’s discrimination in the workplace, trials in law school, and ultimately, RBG’s story of how she became the feminist icon that she is.
In literature and theatre: Colette (2018)
In the film, wily Colette (Keira Knightley) married literary entrepreneur Henry Gauthier-Villars, known as “Willy” in the writers’ circle. Later on, Willy asks for a favor. A favor that may just cost her freedom, dignity, and even her life.
You’ve done something important. All those young girls, you’ve given them a voice. You should own up to it.
This semi-autobiography film features Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a French writer. She was also a poet, scriptwriter, novelist, actress, and dancer. Adorned with colorful and harrowing experiences, she dedicated her life to the pursuit of art. The film focuses on her wild 20s leading to her married life when she wrote her first novel, Claudine in School.
A film on journalism and business management: The Post (2017)
The film The Post narrates the life of Katharine Graham (Meryl Streep), the first female publisher of a major American newspaper. Alongside her is her editor, Ben Bradlee (Tom Hanks). Ben Bradlee ventures into the unknown as they publish controversial information on the Vietnam War. The US Government tries to stop this scandal, threatening Katharine’s stability, credibility, and reputation.
To make this decision, to risk her fortune and the company that’s been her entire life, well I think that’s brave.
The public criticized Katharine when she took over as The Washington Post’s publisher. The male-dominated board disliked her power and the authority she held. Katharine tried to ignore this, but she knew she had to step up for her countrymen and change the course of history.
A film on art and matrimony: Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
The film Mona Lisa Smile is derived from a factual account of Hillary Rodham Clinton’s college years at Wellesley College. It showed how opportunities were limited for American women. The film features five women focused on getting degrees and becoming full-time housewives. Their illustrious art teacher Katherine Watson (Julia Roberts) interrupts their fantasies, making them realize that there is more to life than matrimony.
A finishing school disguised as a college! I thought that I was headed to a place that would turn out tomorrow’s leaders, not their wives!
A film in math, science, and engineering: Hidden Figures (2017)
The film Hidden Figures tells the story of three African-American women. These women contributed to one of the most important breakthroughs in scientific history. A trio of intellectuals – Katherine G. Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) – starts working at NASA as computers. These women were discriminated against in their workplace, demoted, and faced a lot of racist remarks. Through grit, bravery, and intellect, they ensured their rightful place in American history.
Yes, they let women do some things at NASA, Mr. Johnson. And it’s not because we wear skirts, it’s because we wear glasses.
Overall, these films may be refreshing but keep in mind that these women are real. Their life inspired other women to lead a life of potential. Women don’t want to be noticed but to leave a mark in this chaotic world. These films are just snippets of how these women have shaped the world and made history. Want to read more articles like this? Click here.
