Movies have a great way of inspiring through pictures, tales of people long gone but never forgotten – unveiling the humanity, vulnerability and strength of individuals and circumstances that changed the course of history. And this is no truer than for these movies which all women should watch.
Frida
Starring Salma Hayek, the movie tells the tale of the famous Mexican artist, Frida. Before her death, only recognised as wife to also, popular artist, Diego Riviera, her impactful self-portraits and stature as a feminist icon only became adored posthumously.
Carol
The groundbreaking and Oscar nominated Carol, follows the story of two women falling in love during a time clouded by alpha males. Watch the struggle of love between Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara as they face the misunderstandings and contempt for lesbians in the 1950s.
Suffragettes
The brutal state of Britain at the time, refused women the right to vote. The Suffragettes follows the true story of the underground movement playing a cat and mouse game with the government for equal rights. The lush line up promises top class performances – starring Meryl Streep, Helen Bonham Carter and Carrey Mulligan.
Iron Jawed Angels
Serving as the second wave of Suffragettes during the 1920s, Hilary Swank and Francis O’Connor star as leaders in the fight for women’s voting rights. The remarkable energy of the movie displays the passion and dynamism of the little-known story to change the 9th Amendment of the Constitution.
The Colour Purple
Directed by Steven Spielberg, the 11 nominated Colour Purple is a movie everyone should watch at least once in their lives. But this, especially true for women. Based on Alice’s Walker’s novel, the movie tells the controversial survival story of Celie who is married off to Mister Albert Johnson who faces rape, abuse and bigotry.
Kill Bill
The name suggests it all – Kill Bill. The story of revenge, directed by Quentin Tarantino follows, the Bride and assassin (Uma Thruman) who wakes from the coma her jealous ex-boyfriend put her in on her wedding day. She is out to avenge, not only the time lost in an unconscious state but also her unborn child.
What’s Love Got To Do With It?
What does love have to do with physical abuse, drug use, betrayal and remaining in a life threatening situation? Based on the true life story of Tina Turner played by Angela Bassett, following her rise as an artist from being in a church choir to being the charismatic star we know her as – and the torture Ike Turner put her through. She is forced to make the hard decision of leaving and has to do so in the most clandestinely way.
Million Dollar Baby
Million Dollar Baby, starring Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank and Morgan Freeman encompasses the values of strength, will and focus… and all that follows when put into action. We see raw-talented Maggie, determined to make it in the boxing world but who is reluctantly taken under the wing of trainer Frankie Dunn. The battles faced, not only in the ring but with the pains of the past, reveals a magical tale of how the people we sometimes meet become our true family.
Eat Pray Love
She leaves her husband, career and the life she once felt a great attachment toward, to pursue something undefinable. Liz Gilbert, played by Julia Roberts, embarks on a journey of self-discovery which starts in Italy – where she develops a beautiful relationship with food, then moves on to India, where she delves deeper into spirituality to finally come full circle in Bali, where she meets love again.
Elizabeth – The Golden Age
Telling the story of a woman’s sacrifice and self-control to secure her position and to defend an entire nation. The Queen of England in 1558, Elizabeth Tudor played by Cate Blanchett, faces many struggles, which includes attempted assassinations, heartbreak and betrayal as the Mother of England.
