International Women’s Day 2024: as the world celebrates strong and inspiring womanhood, here are some movies from all around the world that uphold woman empowerment.
: LatinaMedia.co
An ideal society would be an equal society. To achieve that women need empowerment which is why International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year. This day celebrates the march of approximately 20,000 women in 1956. This day signifies the strength of women’s empowerment and unity. Now with the motives revised and developed, the world commemorates the 8th March to celebrate women’s achievements, acknowledging their unparalleled contribution to society.
Movies have always been an extremely powerful medium of art, communication, and entertainment. Since long before, movies have been used to convey important and inspiring messages, while being entertaining. Now what could be better to watch women-centric movies on this special day that oozes feminine power? Well, here is a list of 15 such movies that are iconic, powerful, and capture the essence of female empowerment, freedom, and strength in the right way. So let’s begin.
- Little Women (2019)
There is something about women making films based on stories written by women on womanhood. Well, this 2019 Greta Gerwig release of ‘Little Women’ fits the genre accurately and is probably one of the best films you can even come across in general, especially on International Women’s Day. This movie is based on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel of the same name. The film features a star-studded cast of Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Meryl Streep, and Timotée Chalamet, and is an absolute delight to watch. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the story revolves around the lives of four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The story progresses through their lives, and their ambitions, as they navigate through their adolescence period and adulthood in the era of the 1860s. The story is said to be based on the writer’s own life and experiences and the version of Greta Gerwig is proven to be both innovative and refreshing. The film teaches us not to take no for an answer and to fight for what we truly believe in.
- Hidden Figures (2016)
The world has always been cruel to people of different races, other than Caucasians. It is surprising, but it was not long before the slavery of African American people was legal. In such a place of discrimination and violence towards different races, women were prone to so much more. Because hey, sexism wins against almost everything right? Now Hidden Figures, released in 2016 is a revolutionary film in many areas. It is a film that is based on the true story of three African American women from long before. The story follows the life and struggles of three women, Katherine, Mary, and Dorothy who worked at NASA in the 1960s. The movie does a beautiful job of highlighting the severe sexism, racism, and other discriminations these women had to face on a daily basis. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, and Janelle Monáe, the film also delivers a beautiful message of never giving up. Despite the severe discrimination behavior these talented women had to be subjected to at work, these hard-working “human computers” continued to fight for their rights and pursue their dreams in a white pre-dominated all-male industry. In the end, the trio played a key role in launching the famous astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
- Becoming Jane (2007)
Our society has a habit of treating women as either property or baggage. It was not long before when the only dream and goal of a woman could be to marry well, without even thinking of becoming economically independent. This film is similar to the patriarchal society forcing women to get married and give up on their dreams and passions. The most amazing thing about this? It is about none other than beloved author Jane Austen who has given the world several best-selling and iconic novels such as Pride and Prejudice, Emma, Sense and Sensibility. The story follows the real life of the iconic author in an impoverished family. The story follows the struggle of the young author whose financially strapped parents expect her to get married to the nephew of wealthy Lady Gresham. Despite the conditioning of a regressive society, the young woman knows that such a union will make her lose her autonomy, creativity, and self-worth, so she rebels. She goes with her heart and falls in love with a penniless apprentice lawyer who is not only worthy of her but gives her the knowledge that guides her in her career as a novelist as well. Starring Emma Watson, James Cromwell, Julie Walters, James McAvoy, and Maggie Smith, this will be a perfect watch for you on this special day.
- Parched (2015)
The state of women has recovered a lot, especially in the developed countries. But what about the third-world countries that are still developing both economically and morally? What about those women who not only face sexism, but classism on a daily basis? Well, you will get the perfect glimpse into the lives of these women who are struggling inside what was supposed to be their safe places, families. Parched is a revolutionary film released in 2019 that follows the story of four Gujarati women clashing with the rules and struggles of a patriarchal village. The story involves Rani (played by Tannishtha Chatterjee), a widow whose son frequently rebels against her, while another woman, Janaki (played by Lehar Khan) is a child bride who does not want to marry Rani’s son. Later after so much struggle, she succumbs to the arranged marriage due to the village’s pressure. Rani’s close friend, Lajjo (played by Radhika Apte) comes into the story and is constantly physically and mentally abused by her alcoholic husband. The fourth woman is Bijli (played by Surveen Chawla) who works in an erotic dance troupe. Together, these four women battle gender inequalities among all. The realistic, yet heartwarming portrayal of female bonding will surely warm up your heart too.
- Lady Bird (2017)
The world is currently debating about the true meaning of the feminist movement or per se, feminism. What actually is considered feminist? Is it about women being superior to men? Or simply being able to be free, or to be able to do whatever they want? The answer is the latter. Lady Bird is one of those ideal examples that accurately portray this feeling. Lady Bird, released in 2017 is the solo directorial debut of award-winning actress and director Greta Gerwig. The film stars Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Timothée Chalamet, and follows the story of a young teenager and presents one of the most realistic and beautiful coming-of-age movies of all time. The movie challenges traditional narratives, instead focusing on discovering who you are. The protagonist’s journey also showcases how she discovered herself through different situations and experiences, even though she thought she was similar to something else. This coming-of-age movie is not your typical rom-com, rather it highlights a young woman becoming her own person, where romance is surely an angle, but not everything. Lady Bird also wants to do everything in her own way, which is a big part of the ideology of feminism which allows women their much-deserved freedom.
- Erin Brockovich (2000)
Women have a lot of struggles, sometimes these are even greater than the other genders, as they have to simultaneously handle both their house and careers. Now what happens when a woman gets stuck in a tough spot? The story of Erin Brockovich will tell you exactly that. The movie is again based on a real-life story of Eric who is a single mother of three and a lawyer by profession. The story is about a legal clerk who helped win the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in the history of America. The movie follows Erin in a tough spot in her career after losing a personal injury lawsuit. This left her unemployed so agreed to work as a legal assistant for her lawyer. In her workplace, she also gets discriminated against and fails to live up to everyone’s expectations due to her stiff manners and inappropriate clothing. Played by Julia Roberts and directed by Steven Soderbergh highlights the struggle of a single mother who takes on a giant corporation alone. The protagonist’s determination to fight for justice and stay strong throughout will inspire you for life!
- The Help (2011)
Be it sexism, be it classism, be it racism, women have always been subjected to more discrimination and hate all over the world. The shameful incidents of decades have given us several inspirational movies that portray the struggles of African American women throughout history and the 2011 release The Help is one of the ideal ones. This movie is based on a novel by Kathryn Stockett of the same name. The movie revolves around a young and aspiring journalist by the name of Skeeter Phelan (played by Emma Stone) who is determined to write a book exposing the struggles of African American maids working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s. She is writing a book from the maids’ point of view on the white families that they work for, reflecting on their struggles, hardships, and most importantly racism that they face on a daily basis. The movie features critically acclaimed performances by Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, and Emma Stone, so you can expect a lot of inspirational moments and well, a lot of tears. The entire movie will take you on the revisits of past hardships, and valid questions on race relationships and friendships.
- 20 30 40 (2014)
If you are a cinema lover then you must know that Asia has a lot to offer. Not just in thriller or horror genre, but in women-centric movies as well. Take this Taiwanese movie 20 30 40, released in 2014. The movie is directed by an acclaimed Taiwanese actor and producer Sylvia Chang which tells the tale of three women, each in different stages of their lives. The three women perfectly showcase their struggles and hardships of dealing with life, love, and loss, along with the pressure of finding their own place with tremendous societal pressures placed on women. The story focuses on Xiao Jie (played by Angelica Lee) at 20 years of age and pursuing her dream of becoming a singer. In her journey, she develops a complicated relationship/friendship with her partner played by Kate Yeung that is constantly threatening to overwhelm them both. The other woman is Xiang (played by Rene Liu) who is 30 years old and a flight attendant with a busy yet unfulfilling love life. She is going through the struggle of being torn between a young lover and her affair with a married man. The third woman in this movie is Lily (played by Sylvia Chang) who is in her 40s and recently divorced. After being divorced, she is determined to build a life for herself now, finding her own identity, and getting back to the dating scene. Over all, this movie is a beautifully lensed romantic comedy that is filled with moments of introspection.
- Carol (2015)
Queer romance is a genre that is again not so welcoming to female relationships which is why you would not find many women featured in them. The queer romance itself is a discriminated subject, which is not wholly accepted by the entire world, and on top of that, it is about two women which are again extremely controversial. This is also the reason why this Academy-acclaimed movie is so revolutionary on its own. Directed by Todd Haynes and featuring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Sarah Paulson in leading roles, the story is set in Manhattan in the 1950s. The story explores the intimate relationship between two protagonists, Therese (played by Rooney Mara), who is a young photographer on the verge of sexual awakening and Carol (played by Cate Blanchett) who is an elegant and dignified woman going through a broken marriage. The aspiring photographer spots gorgeous Carol perusing the doll displays in a departmental store which leads to a close-knit and fast bond between these two women. Gradually this bond develops into love that is not without its complicated consequences. This moving and extremely well-acted drama will surely make you fall in love, if not with anyone, then with yourself.
