As a guy I’ve always kind of enjoyed movies with a strong female lead. It’s just a nice change of pace from the monotonous macho male hero we so often see in cinema.
The leading ladies in these films have flaws and they aren’t afraid to show it. Sometimes their flaws are the very thing that makes them strong.
I can’t think of a better message to send out there.
Here are my top 5 girl power movies of all time in no order:
1. Kill Bill
I had to start the list off with an obvious one. If you’ve been keeping up with my posts then you know this is a movie I love deeply. The story of a bride to be who is assaulted on the day of her wedding… But wait! She’s also pregnant! And the brutal beating causes her to lose her child. Packed with tons of action, Uma Thurman goes toe to toe with foes upon foes as she seeks revenge against those who’ve wronged her. Whenever she is knocked down she gets back up and swinging. Now, revenge isn’t really a message we want to send to impressionable girls and this definitely isn’t a movie for children. But still, seeing a female hero or anti-hero depending on your definition, fight for what she thinks is right and kicking ass while doing it is worth watching.
2. Deathproof
This movie is one of my favorites for one reason: in the first half of the movie, the ladies are the victims but in the second half, the tables turn. The daredevil gone madman Stuntman Mike preys on women. Giving them “joy rides”, which really just serve as a means for him to get sick rocks off. However, towards the end of the film he targets the wrong bunch of ladies including a tough stuntwoman herself. Let’s just say things didn’t end pretty for Stuntman Mike.
3. Room
In this film, Ma, as she’s known throughout the majority of the film or Joy Newsome is trapped in a room with her only son, Jack. The details are that Joy was actually kidnapped by a man when she was younger and Jack is the offspring of both her and her kidnapper. Sounds intense, right? Well that’s because it is. The reason I feel this deserves a spot is for her tenacity and bravery throughout the film. When her son turned five she decided it was time they got out and she made it happen against all odds. She was also such a mother to Jack even under less than desirable circumstances. This is the true hallmark of a great woman. Girl power isn’t always about beating up bad guys, sometimes it’s just having courage and doing the best you possibly can.
4. Girl, Interrupted.
Ah, Girl, Interrupted. I love this movie for so many reasons. One being that I can relate to it on a true level. But that being another topic. Susana is a troubled girl who is sent to a psychiatric facility by her parents for a “rest.” There she meets all sorts of quirky odd characters who later become her friends but at first she is scared. It seems throughout the film she has to make the right choice after right choice. Often taking it upon herself to take care of the other patients in the ward even against her own risk. Getting outside the facility proves harder than ever for her and she has to find a way to adapt and make it out. At one point, not even wanting to stay but believes this is where she belongs. She demonstrates strength and thoughtfulness throughout the movie. Adapting to a new environment, showing compassion and eventually facing her demons. True girl power.
5. Mulan
Can you say classic? Mulan is one of those movies from childhood that I can see over and over and never get sick of it. It has that type of merit.
Mulan is a common Chinese girl who just seeks to be wed one day. Well, when that doesn’t go her way… She enlists in the army! It seems Mulan has something to prove to herself. At first disguising herself as a man so she can fight for the imperial army, she thinks she’s fighting to save her dad. But it turns out it was more than that. This story is about worth. That’s what makes it so powerful. Mulan didn’t feel worthy enough to be a bride so she wanted to prove her worth in something else. This is the story for many young girls and even women across the world. They are still fighting for their voice to be heard, even just for equality. Long story short, Mulan becomes a warrior of great honor and is even seen by the Emperor himself. A true story of coming up from the bottom. Mulan is the epitome of the female underdog. A modern classic that anyone can enjoy.
Well, that concludes my top 5 girl power movies ever. What did you think? What are your top 5? I’d like to discuss. Leave a comment if you will. Thank you all for reading.
Artistic Apathy 