January is finally over – but the walk to Unit One is still way too cold to not need a jacket, mid-term deadlines are approaching and we could probably all do with a little extra motivation to push us through the last few weeks of winter. With that in mind, we’ve come up with a list of 10 inspiring female movie characters we wish we could channel in our everyday lives.
Princess Diana/Wonder Woman
We might as well start at the top. Determined, selfless, compassionate, honest and just an all-round literal superhero, Princess Diana/Wonder Woman as portrayed by Gal Gadot burst onto our screens as an explosion of female energy and made us all wish we were a bit more badass. She’s unapologetically herself, she’s kind, she’s strong and she will not give up.
Best quote – STEVE TREVOR: ‘This war is a great big mess, and there’s not a whole lot you and I can do about that. I mean, we can get back to London and try and get back to the men who can.’ DIANA: ‘I am the man who can.’ (Can we get a Yas Queen?)
Mulan
Mulan is possibly one of the most underrated Disney ‘princesses’. She takes her injured father’s place when he’s called to fight in the army; she works her ass off training and gets to the top of her class, beating all the boys; and even when she feels confusion about who she really is, and whether who she is on the outside reflects who she wants to be inside, and no one takes her seriously, she fights to try and save innocent people. She always keeps going – so even when you think you’ve finally reached the day when Forum Hill is going to defeat you, just remember you can be as fierce and unstoppable as Mulan, with all the strength of a raging fire.
Best quote – ‘How about a girl who’s got a brain? Who always speaks her mind?’
Aibileen Clark
One of the protagonists of ‘The Help’, Aibileen teaches the girl in her care self-love, and about racial equality and civil rights. She is wise, faithful, warm and compassionate despite the racism she is subjected to, and she bravely works with other women to tell her story and demand change, and demand better, from the place she lives in. She puts herself in danger for the greater good, and stands up for herself despite knowing she could lose everything.
Best quote – ‘You is smart. You is kind. You is important.’
Mrs Incredible/Elastigirl
While her flexibility may not be totally attainable, everyone’s favourite superhero mum has many qualities which we could try and emanate. She realises her own strength and insists on helping Mr Incredible right at the end of the film when he wants to find the android on his own – she isn’t about to sit back and let a man do all her fighting for her. We’re so here for that. She also encourages her daughter, Violet, to believe in herself and realise her own power – yes please to strong female relationships where both characters know how amazing they are.
Best quote – MR INCREDIBLE: ‘Wait here and stay hidden. I’m going in.’ ELASTIGIRL: ‘While what? I watch helplessly from the sidelines? I don’t think so. … We’re superheroes. What could happen?’
Luna Lovegood
(^^ so relatable) While strong female characters definitely aren’t lacking in the Harry Potter franchise (honourable mentions to Hermione, Professor McGonagall, Mrs Weasley…we could go on), Luna Lovegood occasionally slips under the radar. But not today. Never afraid to stand out or stay true to herself, Luna is an incredibly loyal friend who is understanding, wise, and exceptionally kind. She believes in herself and she believes in others…and no one rocks a necklace made of Butterbeer corks quite like her.
Best quote – (re her lost possessions) ‘I think I’ll just go down and have some pudding and wait for it all to turn up…it always does in the end.’ (Focussing on food and positive thinking – could you ask for more in a friend?)
Katherine Johnson
A real mathematician who worked at NASA, Katherine is portrayed by Taraji P. Henderson in ‘Hidden Figures’. Katherine is an incredibly strong character, who stands against sexism and racism and ends up saving lives because she’s so clever and hardworking. The three protagonists in this film all work to overcome adversity and maintain self-respect, and prove they are just as good – or better – than the white men they work with.
Best quote – KATHERINE: Sir, if I could just attend the briefings, I could stay current. PAUL STAFFORD: Katherine, we have been through this. It is not possible. There is no protocol for women attending. KATHERINE: There’s no protocol for a man circling the Earth either, sir.
Matilda Wormwood
Matilda is just everything I wanted to be as a child. Aside from the fact that she can make pancakes by the time she’s about four, she’s such an awesome character: she’s brave, kind, selfless, funny, determined, and oh, just a bit intelligent. She stays positive despite the setbacks she and her classmates face, and does everything with a smile and some sass.
Best quote – ‘Whoever painted the Trunchbull must have had a strong stomach. A really strong stomach.’
Effie White
Effie is talented, tenacious and tough. She knows what she wants, she knows what she deserves and she isn’t afraid to ask for it. She champions herself despite multiple setbacks, and always stays true to her dream. She knows there are more important things than beauty…and girl can sing.
Best quote – ‘There’s no money dirty enough to buy me out.’
Moana
Everyone’s favourite new Disney girl, Moana is a feisty combination of irrepressible spirit, fierce loyalty and passionate determination. She stays true to the person she wants to be while simultaneously working to save the people of her village and re-building Maui’s self-confidence. Lots of people love ‘Moana’ because there’s no love interest in the story – just a strong, independent gal who finds the key to restoring her island, and herself, along the way.
Best quote – ‘The journey may leave a scar. But scars can heal and reveal just who you are.’
Lettie Lutz
Lettie is one of the stars of ‘The Greatest Showman’, and we know you’ve probably belted out her awesome song ‘This Is Me’ in the shower at least once. Lettie is judged and laughed at by people throughout her life, but through the film she eventually learns to be unashamedly herself, and that she’s so strong, nobody can keep her down.
Best quote – ‘I’m not scared to be seen, I make no apologies. This is me.’
Hopefully this list has injected some real girl power into your day – so the next time you feel like maybe you’re not brave enough, or smart enough, or you feel outnumbered in a typically male field and think you’re not quite good enough, you can channel these fierce women and realise yes queen, you absolutely are.