Films about body image are a genre that explores the complexities of how individuals perceive and feel about their own bodies. These films often delve into themes of self-acceptance, societal pressures, beauty standards, and the impact of media on body image.
“To the Bone”, 2017
Director: Marti Noxon
This film follows a young woman struggling with anorexia as she enters a treatment program led by a nontraditional doctor. It explores the challenges of body image and self-worth in the face of an eating disorder.
Starring: Lily Collins, Keanu Reeves, Carrie Preston, Lili Taylor, Alex Sharp, Liana Liberato, Brooke Smith, Leslie Bibb, Kathryn Prescott, Ciara Bravo;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama;
Duration: 107 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;
“Dumplin'”, 2018
Director: Anne Fletcher
A coming-of-age comedy film that follows a plus-sized teenage girl who enters a beauty pageant to challenge the norms of beauty standards. It celebrates body positivity and self-acceptance.
Starring: Danielle Macdonald, Odeya Rush, Jennifer Aniston, Maddie Baillio, Bex Taylor-Klaus, Luke Benward, Georgie Flores, Dove Cameron, Harold Perrineau, Kathy Najimy;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: comedy, drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 110 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
“Hairspray”, 2007
Director: Adam Shankman
Set in the 1960s, this musical comedy tackles issues of body image and racial segregation through the story of a plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on a local TV show. It promotes body positivity and acceptance of diversity.
Starring: Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney;
Production year: 2007;
Genre: musical, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 117 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Hairspray” on the website imdb.com
“Shallow Hal”, 2001
Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
A romantic comedy that follows a shallow man who, after being hypnotized, sees only the inner beauty of women. The film explores the importance of looking beyond physical appearances and embracing individuals for who they are.
Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Jack Black, Jason Alexander, Joe Viterelli, Rene Kirby, Bruce McGill, Anthony Robbins, Susan Ward, Zen Gesner, Brooke Burns;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: fantasy, drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 109 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6;
More information about the film “Shallow Hal” on the website imdb.com
“Real Women Have Curves”, 2002
Director: Patricia Cardoso
This drama tells the story of a Mexican-American teenager navigating cultural expectations and body image issues while working in a garment factory. It highlights the beauty of diversity and challenges societal beauty standards.
Starring: America Ferrera, Lupe Ontiveros, Ingrid Oliu, George Lopez, Brian Sites, Soledad St. Hilaire, Lourdes Perez Nido, Jorge Cervera Jr., Felipe de Alba, José Gerardo Zamora Jr.;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
“Embrace”, 2016
Director: Taryn Brumfitt
A documentary that follows body image activist Taryn Brumfitt as she explores the global issue of body shaming and encourages self-love and acceptance. The film aims to inspire viewers to embrace their bodies as they are.
Starring: Taryn Brumfitt, Renee Airya, Jade Beall, Amanda De Cadenet, Mia Freedman, Harnaam Kaur, Ricki Lake, B. Jeffrey Madoff, Lea Nayeli, Melinda Tankard Reist, Nora Tschirner;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: documentary;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,2;
More information about the film “Embrace” on the website imdb.com
In conclusion, films about body image serve as a powerful medium for exploring the complexities and nuances of self-perception, societal expectations, and the impact of beauty standards on individuals. These films offer a platform for important conversations about body positivity, self-acceptance, and the destructive nature of unrealistic ideals. By shedding light on the struggles faced by individuals of all shapes and sizes, these films challenge viewers to reevaluate their own perceptions of beauty and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Ultimately, these films have the potential to inspire change and promote a healthier and more accepting relationship with our bodies.
