Happy Women’s History Month everyone. Yesterday marked the International Women’s Day of 2020 and it’s important that we take this month to remember all of the women of the past paving the way for women of now, as well as those today who keep fighting for us all. Female representation within media has lacked over the years but as time goes on, there has been a movement to encourage more strong female representation so everyone can see themselves represented onscreen. Below, I’ve compiled a list of movies with strong female leads that have had an impact on me over the years.
1.) Easy A
In my opinion, one of Emma Stone’s best roles. It is a modern take on the Scarlett Letter, Stone playing a girl that helps out a friend by pretending she slept with him. This serves as a catalyst for her being branded as the school “slut”, a power she learns to embrace. Having a film with a strong female lead embracing her sexuality is really powerful to watch.
2.) The Help
Based on the book about the experience of African American women during the 1960s as maids for rich white families. Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis carry the film with their depiction of struggle and sisterhood during a time when women of color struggled to succeed.
3.) Captain Marvel
Captain Marvel is an important mark in history for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is the first solo film for a female Marvel superhero. Brie Larson (major girl crush) brings her all in the film, playing Carol Danvers as the powerful and not oversexualized superhero she is.
4.)The Hunger Games
One of the first female-led franchises I can remember, the Hunger Games had a major impact on me growing up. Katniss Everdeen was a strong and unapologetic character that I found so refreshing because she was so multi-faceted with her emotions. Also, let’s be real, how cool would it be to shoot a bow and arrow.
5.) Legally Blonde
One of my favorite movies of all time. Seriously, I have considered becoming a lawyer because of this movie. Elle Woods is a female icon, being able to show all us girls that you can be feminine but also smart, opinionated and successful.
As we go through this month, it’s important that we remember to support and uplift each other in everything we do.