To begin, we must state that if a film is designed solely for a male or female audience, there’s something definitely not right about it. Why not let the audience make the decision?
However, certain films resonate more strongly with one gender than the other. But it isn't the point of this list. It's a collection of films that everyone should watch, in no particular order, in order to take away something that will help us ensure that our daughters grow into strong women. After all, art imitates life, and life, it turns out, imitates art as well.
1. Million Dollar Baby
Every cliché about a girl is thrown to the wind in Million Dollar Baby. It also rightly informs us that our age may hinder us physically, but not spiritually. Because, as Maggie Fitzgerald points out, dreams have no bounds.
2. Bend It Like Beckham
The magnum opus of Gurinder Chadha is all about girl strength. Beg, lie, and struggle, but don't let gender preconceptions keep you from pursuing your dreams. And it's unlikely that a better ode to female football fans can be discovered.
3. Frozen
Because Elsa and Anna taught us that we should never give up on people, especially sisters. It's reassuring to observe these two female characters' unwavering support for one another. It doesn't have to be a snowman, after all.
4. Brave
Merida, a superb archer who defies the mighty Scottish clans and their leaders, chooses her own course in life. She seeks advice from a recluse, who not only refuses to assist her but also casts a hazardous curse on her. This young princess has to rely on her own bravery to break the powerful curse.
5. The Color Purple
To say the least, black women's lives were incredibly difficult. Things may appear to be better now, but not everything is as it seems. Celie Harris, a poor, battered woman, finds refuge in two other women, Shug and Sofia, in the film The Color Purple. It is a film that demonstrates how a woman can be her own best supporter.
6. Mulan
Mulan disproves the notion that Disney princesses are frail and delicate. With this courageous heroine who fought with the men to preserve the realm from the Huns, Disney's attempt to break its own preconceptions was successful.
7. Mona Lisa Smile
This film must be seen for the reasons Katherine Anne Watson accepts a post at Wellesley College, a conservative private liberal arts college. As Watson envisions, the next generation must be educated, not simply literate, and must learn to be themselves rather than groom themselves in order to attract a coveted groom. Mona Lisa Smile is a must-see because of Watson's liberalism that’s in contrast with the institution's rigidity.
8. Erin Brockovich
Erin Brockovich is the woman who single-handedly drove the energy giant Pacific Gas and Electric Company to its knees, saving many lives from chromium poisoning. It takes a certain kind of person to take on a colossus like this. She demonstrates that if we are fighting for the right reasons, we should not back down.
9. English Vinglish
The victory of a mother in a world when being cool and hip is expected. All of this, of course, revolves around mastering the English language. What this film brilliantly demonstrates is that being kind and polite is the new chic.
Conclusion
These movies, with their strong female characters and inspirational storyline, are a must-watch. Which ones have you seen?
FAQs
Q. Can movies inspire people?
A. It goes both ways! But yes, movies do have the tendency to inspire the masses. That is why a good storyline with strong characters can do wonders.
Q. Are the Disney films listed here only meant to be watched by children?
A. Absolutely not. While the movies were made keeping in mind a younger audience, it doesn’t take away from the fact that they do convey important messages, regardless of the age group.