At its core, film is thought-provoking, idea sparking, and a critical tool in understanding the human condition. For those of you wanting to explore feminism and feel that rush of inspirational, unifying girl-power, here's a curated list of streamable movies. Our fearless leader Lizelle, self-defined movie nut, was asked by one of the members for a few movie recommendations (other than Hidden Figures) that highlight the goodness and grit of women. Here's her brain dump with the streaming locations (as of Jan 2017) We recommend viewing at least one per weekend to reach the desired effect (total confidence in female-kind and yourself). Do you have a favorite girl-power flick that you don't see listed? Let me know! Joy (2015) stars Jennifer Lawrence as Joy Mangano, a self-made millionaire who created her own empire. Based on a true story, you can view Joy on HBO Go. Suffragette (2015) centers around the foot soldiers of the early feminist movement. Starring Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, and Helena Bonham Carter as women who were forced underground to pursue a dangerous game of cat and mouse with an increasingly brutal State. Suffragette is available to stream on HBO Go. Whale Rider (2002) is the story of a young Maori girl who fights to fulfill a destiny that her Grandfather refuses to recognize. You can purchase Whale Rider on Amazon. The Color Purple (1985) stars Oprah Winfrey, Whoopi Goldberg, and Danny Glover. It follows a black woman in the South who's struggling to understand her own identity after suffering years of abuse. This film is available to rent on Google Play. Ghostbusters (2016) this female-driven remake of the cult classic portrays a group of four fabulous ladies (Kristen Wiig, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, and Melissa Mccarthy) who save Manhattan from mass destruction. You can rent this movie on Vudu. Tracks (2013) is about a young, Australian woman (Mia Wasikowska) who ventures on a 1,700-mile trek across the desert, it's an adventure flick full of reflection. It's streamable via Netflix. Eat Pray Love (2010) tells the story of a recently-divorced woman (Julia Roberts) who journeys around the world in search of herself. You can rent Eat Pray Love on Amazon. Fried Green Tomatoes (1991) is all about storytelling. It follows an unhappy housewife as she befriends an elderly woman who entertains her with incredible tales of her youth. Rent it now on Amazon. Brave (2012) Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. Again, available to rent on Amazon. Mona Lisa Smile (2003) follows a free-thinking art history professor (Julia Roberts) who teaches conservative 1950s Wellesley girls to question their traditional gender roles. Grab some friends and view on Netflix. G.I. Jane (1997) stars Demi Moore as a female trainee in the Navy SEAL selection program amongst only men. Check it out on Amazon. She's Beautiful When She's Angry (2014) is a documentary that resurrects the buried history of the women behind the feminist movement from 1966-1971. It's on Netflix! Makers: Women Who Make America (2013 - ) is actually a PBS series which documents the stories of the women who've shaped America such as Hillary Clinton, Meryl Streep, and of course Gloria Steinem. It's available to rent on Amazon. Miss Representation (2011) explores the underrepresentation of females in mainstream media, as well as media's limited view on what it means to be a woman. Miss Representation is streamable on Netflix. Got any more? Please leave in comments and I'll add them in a follow up post! |