Films about women encompass a broad range of genres, themes, and narratives, all focused on exploring the lives, experiences, and perspectives of women. From historical dramas that recount the lives of influential women who shaped history, to contemporary tales that delve into the complexities of womanhood, relationships, and self-discovery, these films offer diverse and rich portrayals of female characters. They often tackle topics such as gender inequality, feminism, love, resilience, and empowerment, providing not only entertainment but also insight into the nuanced experiences of women across different cultures and eras.
“Hidden Figures”, 2016
Director: Theodore Melfi
This inspiring true story showcases the remarkable contributions of Katherine G. Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson, three African American female mathematicians who played a vital role in NASA during the space race, overcoming gender and racial barriers in the process.
Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons, Mahershala Ali, Aldis Hodge, Glen Powell, Kimberly Quinn;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;
More information about the film “Hidden Figures” on the website imdb.com
“Erin Brockovich”, 2000
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Based on a true story, this film stars Julia Roberts as Erin Brockovich, a determined and outspoken single mother who, despite lacking formal legal education, builds a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California for polluting a city's water supply.
Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Coyote, Cherry Jones, Tracey Walter, Conchata Ferrell, Marg Helgenberger, David Brisbin, Dawn Didawick;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 126 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Erin Brockovich” on the website imdb.com
“The Color Purple”, 1985
Director: Steven Spielberg
Adapted from Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Steven Spielberg's film chronicles the life of Celie Harris and spans several decades, highlighting her struggle against numerous forms of oppression in the early 20th century American South.
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Adolph Caesar, Margaret Avery, Rae Dawn Chong, Oprah Winfrey, Willard E. Pugh, Akosua Busia, Desreta Jackson, Dana Ivey;
Production year: 1985;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 154 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
More information about the film “The Color Purple” on the website imdb.com
“Queen of Katwe”, 2016
Director: Mira Nair
This biographical drama tells the uplifting story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums of Katwe in Kampala, Uganda, who becomes an international chess star under the guidance of her coach and mentor, Robert Katende, overcoming adversity along the way.
Starring: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ivan Jacobo, Nicolas Levesque, Ronald Ssemaganda, Ethan Nazario Lubega, Nikita Waligwa;
Production year: 2016;
Genre: drama, biography, sport;
MPAA rating: pg;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Queen of Katwe” on the website imdb.com
“Carol”, 2014
Director: Todd Haynes
Directed by Todd Haynes, “Carol” is a romantic drama set in the 1950s, detailing the complex relationship between two women, Carol and Therese, portrayed by Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, respectively. It explores themes of forbidden love, society's expectations, and personal discovery.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Kyle Chandler, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, John Magaro, Cory Michael Smith, Kevin Crowley, Nik Pajic, Carrie Brownstein;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
“Frida”, 2002
Director: Julie Taymor
This biopic stars Salma Hayek as the iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and covers her life from her teenage years to her death, focusing on her artistic career, her marriage to fellow artist Diego Rivera, her complex personal life, and her enduring physical and emotional pain.
Starring: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Valeria Golino, Ashley Judd, Geoffrey Rush, Edward Norton, Saffron Burrows, Antonio Banderas, Diego Luna, Patricia Reyes Spíndola;
Production year: 2002;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 118 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;
More information about the film “Frida” on the website imdb.com
“Lady Bird”, 2017
Director: Greta Gerwig
Directed by Greta Gerwig, this coming-of-age film stars Saoirse Ronan as Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson, a high school senior navigating relationships, family dynamics, and her aspirations for the future against the backdrop of Sacramento, California.
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, Timothée Chalamet, Beanie Feldstein, Lois Smith, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Odeya Rush, Jordan Rodrigues;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 94 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Lady Bird” on the website imdb.com
“Suffragette”, 2015
Director: Sarah Gavron
Focusing on the early feminist movement in the United Kingdom, this historical drama portrays the fight for women's right to vote through the eyes of Maud Watts, a fictional character played by Carey Mulligan, inspired by the real-life testimonies of those involved in the movement.
Starring: Carey Mulligan, Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff, Ben Whishaw, Nathalie Press, Romola Garai, Meryl Streep, Grace Stottor, Geoff Bell;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 106 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “Suffragette” on the website imdb.com
The corpus of films about women extends far beyond mere entertainment, weaving intricate narratives that explore the multifaceted experiences of womanhood across different cultures and epochs. These films serve as profound commentaries on the resilience, complexity, and diversity of female identity, often challenging societal norms and inspiring conversations on gender equality. By spotlighting women's stories, filmmakers not only contribute to the representation and visibility of women on screen but also empower audiences worldwide to empathize with and understand the unique journeys of women. As the film industry continues to evolve, it is imperative that it remains committed to telling these stories, ensuring that the portrayal of women is as diverse and profound as their experiences in the real world. In doing so, films about women will persist as vital cultural artifacts that both reflect and shape our understanding of what it means to be a woman in an ever-changing society.
