Photos taken by Sophia Carter
There’s nothing quite like watching a movie with a character that speaks to you. In the past few years, there has been a rise in female-centered films with inspirational characters. Listed below are a few great picks the next time you’re unsure what to watch.
Little Women (2019)
This 2019 Greta Gerwig film became massively popular upon its release. This film follows the story of the four March sisters and shows their lives as they grow and learn. Each sister has her own path that is special in its own way. In particular, we see the oldest sister, Meg, challenge her younger sister, Jo’s ideas of happiness. Without spoiling the film, it emphasizes that a woman’s happiness comes from what she chooses. This film encapsulates the emotions of learning that being an independent woman looks different for everyone.
Hidden Figures (2016)
This 2016 film follows the true story of some of the first women of color to work in the field of space exploration. The film follows these women as they play an integral part in the development of space technology. Dorothy Vaughan and her “girls” help figure out the key mathematics used during the space race. Throughout the film we see Vaughan fight for her right to be a supervisor, and her standing up to her superiors. Throughout this film, we see these women stand up against prejudice against their skin color and their gender. The message is a strong one and educates people about the true story and hardships these women overcame.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005)
This feel-good film follows the story of four close-knit friends as they leave for the summer. A pair of pants is passed around the summer to stay connected to one another. Each character undergoes her own journey including grieving, learning to be kind, and even health issues. The film shows that femininity and strength can go hand in hand. The film is great for younger and older viewers alike.
Black Widow (2021)
This film, while admittedly a long time coming, became an instant hit. In this film, we learn about the iconic Natasha Romanoff’s origin story. As we follow the story of both her and Yelena, we see them start to take their power back after being turned into soldiers at a young age. While the film still has its issues, the story is a powerful one. It emphasizes the strength of family as we see Natasha and Yelena reunite. The sisters have an intense love for each other even after years spent apart. We see them train together and allow themselves to be vulnerable around each other. As the action picks up there is no shortage of empowering fight scenes. We see the sisters take down their former captor and, more importantly, take care of each other. The film did very well for coming out following COVID, and it is a fun watch for anyone who likes Marvel or wants to dive into the Marvel universe.
