"Girl-Power" movies are rare gems that often get dismissed as too well, girly, but they are usually high-quality, serious movies that focus on the more controversial and pioneering experiences of women. Finding these unconventional movies can be difficult, but well-worth the effort.
A "Girl-Power" film is a winning combination of social awareness
and female focus, answering both the need for more quality female leads
and attention to feminist issues (such as female leadership or gender
stereotypes). “A
lot of people really aren't open to seeing strong female characters out there.
And when they are seen, they have to be some sort of sex symbol…”observed actress Michelle Rodriguez, the star of the female boxer movie Girlfight, an apt assessment of today's entertainment climate. Indeed seeing a movie with a ballsy female lead is refreshing in a society still battling gender equality issues. Where mainstream movies avoid more progressive images of women, (and designate female leads as sexpots or damsels in distress) "Girl-Power" movies embrace and celebrate the opposite, distinctive and empowered heroines. Outside of the blockbusters
full of scantily clad women and male warriors, here are five must-see smaller films that
perceptively capture feminist issues with believable, relatable heroines going
against the grain.
Whale Rider
Beautifully shot, incredible scenery with eye-opening views
of New Zealand. The Maori tribe of New
Zealand is portrayed with real Maori tribe
members on location. It is by far the
one of the best down-to-earth depictions of an indigenous population. The focus
of the film is an intelligent and exceptional young girl whose grandfather is
obsessed with restoring traditions and tribal leadership. The girl herself is clearly a candidate for
the new leadership, which by tradition must be one of the young boys of the
town. She struggles not just to prove
that women can take on such a role, but also to be accepted by her grandfather,
father, find her sense of self, and discover the frailty and potential of her
community. Character development in this movie does not stop at the main
characters and the entire film is touching, believable, and familiar. This movie is multi-faceted and profound in a
difficult and easily stereotyped subject of indigenous life and feminism.
Keisha Castle-Hughes gives an incredible performance as Paikea, the protagonist,
that is gripping from start to finish (and got her an Oscar nomination). It
will blow you away with its realism and emotion. Its relative lack of profanity
and sex make it a good family movie.