Movies celebrating inspirational women

Wolf Gang via Flickr photo

Andrea Hammack

Staff Writer

During Women’s History Month, there’s nothing like curling up to a good movie that leaves you feeling inspired and full of emotions. 

Here’s a list of movies to watch that will leave you either proud to be a woman, or proud to know the women in your life.

G.I. Jane – This 1997 film starring Demi Moore tells a fictional story of the first woman to undergo training for U.S. Navy Special Warfare Group. 

This movie shows the sexism during the time and how women were looked down upon by male-dominated organizations. Despite this, Moore’s character, Jordan O’Neill, continues to push and break boundaries set by society. Though it may not have been the path she would have originally taken, it’s a path she wanted to have the choice to take. (Rated R)

Hidden Figures – Based on a true story, three brilliant African-American women at NASA – Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer) and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) – serve as the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit.

Faced with adversity during the time period, women weren’t seen doing jobs which men thought took “brains.” These three ladies defy all odds, proving that women have much more to offer than just their bodies. (Rated PG)

Mulan – (For those looking for some animated films). Fearful that her ailing father will be drafted into the Chinese military, Mulan (Ming-Na Wen) takes her spot, cleverly impersonating a man and going off to train with fellow recruits. 

In a world of damsels in distress, this movie is so good especially for young girls to see. Mulan decides to protect her family and serve in her father’s place, showing staggering amounts of selflessness and strength. (Rated G)

The Color Purple – Filmed in Anson and Union counties in North Carolina, the film tells the story of a young African American girl named Celie Harris and showcases the problems African American women faced during the early 20th century, including domestic violence, racism and sexism. Celie is transformed as she finds her self-worth through the help of two strong female companions.

Though it contains sensitive subjects, this movie brings to light so many hardships women are put through, especially in past generations. It also represents the importance of women supporting each other. (Rated PG-13)

Frida – This biopic shows the bold and controversial life of artist Frida Kahlo. Set in Mexico City, her forward-thinking artistic, political and sexual attitudes are explored as the viewers witness a hard-drinking, passionate woman of the early 1900s. 

This movie throws out all of the traditional ways in which women were told they should think, showing the true story of a woman who lived outside of the norm and bucked the system of the time she lived in. (Rated R)

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