March 3 ------ Like any other human being, women and their contributions to society deserve to be acknowledged and celebrated every day. Although, during International Women’s Month, we need to go the extra mile to show our appreciation for them. By this time, many inspiring, fearless, and empowered female characters have graced our screen and continue to do so; regardless of whether they play the lead or supporting role in film or television, we will forever carry these women close to our hearts.
These female characters representing all ages, periods, and races have displayed an important role in the cinematic landscape that changed the trajectory of women’s representation on screen, mainly women’s empowerment. And though we can’t name them all, it’s time that we remember some of these iconic films that influence women of all ages.
Erin Brockovich
What is more inspiring than a story based on real life? Erin Brockovich (2000) tells the story of a single mother who needs a job to provide for her three children. Despite being faced with a male-dominated industry, Erin (portrayed by Julia Roberts) dives into the workforce of law without any experience to back her up, but she is a woman who knows how to play the cards. Erin shows that one might not need a degree when you have wit and determination.
Erin is a symbol that women endure no matter the struggles. This is a story of women’s empowerment because the main character shows that women can juggle motherhood and their careers despite living in a world that keeps telling them that they need to only choose one. This narrative uplifts the representation of women on screen, as it shows women’s looks and status are nothing compared to their unwavering potential.
Legally Blonde
In a world where women are often judged by how feminine they look, Legally Blonde (2001) challenges the stereotype by introducing a female character, Elle Woods (portrayed by Reese Witherspoon), who is not unafraid of her womanhood (basically having blond hair and her too girly outfits) and her ambition, despite the common mindset that women, especially in the early years, only belong to the kitchen and are not allowed to dream.
Despite the fact that Elle’s initial reason to enter law school was to win her boyfriend back, Elle realizes her hidden passion for the constitution and works hard to deserve her space in the courtroom. Legally Blonde raises the standard for accurately representing women on screen as it emphasizes that women should not be afraid to look and act ladylike, as it has nothing to do with the things they can bring to the table.
Little Women
Based on the novel of the same name, this nth movie adaptation of Little Women (2019) shows that women can have different dreams, and it doesn’t make them less or superior to one another. Despite the fact that these four sisters, Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh), Meg (Emma Watson), and Beth (Eliza Scanlen), lead different lives, they remain supportive of each other. This narrative showcases the magic of having a sister who loves you in spite of it all. In one of the most memorable dialogues in the movie, delivered by Jo, it perfectly encapsulates that women are more than their gender and physical appearances, as they have ambitions, talent, minds, and everything in between that can never amount to or fit into a single box.
Mona Lisa Smile
Another Julia Roberts-starrer is the Mona Lisa Smile (2003), which seeks to break down conventions that women are just meant to be house runners and home keepers. With support from equally empowered actresses Julia Styles, Kirsten Dunst, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Mona Lisa Smile challenges the idea of patriarchal society where women are viewed as nothing more than decoration while the men went out to do “serious business.” Roberts as the feminist Katherine Watson, Art History professor at an all-female college defies opposition from school administration and even her hardline conservative students, who soon learn that there is more to life than marriage after graduation.
Enola Holmes
This movie is a narrative that redefines norms. Enola Holmes (2020) follows a quick-witted and courageous teenager (portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown) who challenges social expectations and misogynistic views. In her journey to find her mother and her purpose, Enola battles patriarchy because women are more than “proper manners” and “womanly duties” that are often immediately instilled in them even before they get the chance to think for themselves. Despite being told during the Victorian era, this narrative reinforces the concept that women have the power to empower themselves and the world, may it be in conversations on politics or any difficult subject that needs to be challenged, despite the world telling them that they could never have a voice.
Anne with an E
Focusing on the life of a deeply passionate adopted 13-year-old girl and her equally loving family and friends, Anne with an E (2017–2019) centers on the lead character, Anne Shirley, of the 1908 classic work of children’s literature, Anne of Green Gables. This narrative showcases that women can have intense feelings and dreams, no matter how big or small. It also successfully addresses significant issues from then to today: human rights, freedom of speech, social justice, gender parity, and even sexuality.
Source: inquirer.net
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