In our efforts to make Women’s Day special for you, we have curated a list of powerful women-centric movies! These iconic movies serve as a source of inspiration and celebrate womanhood.
Enola Holmes (2020)
“Perhaps she wants to change the world. Perhaps it’s a world that needs changing.”
Enola Holmes is the story of a teenager in the Victorian era who sets off on an adventure to find her mother. The story brings to attention the effects of patriarchy and systematic inequalities faced by the women. It also talks about the suffrage movement and how women struggled to have the right to vote.
Thappad (2020)
“Just a slap par maar nahi sakta.” (Just a slap but he can’t hit me)
The movie ‘Thappad’ is a story of a single slap. The storyline develops around an incident when Vikram slaps his wife Amrita, while she is attempting to keep him away from an escalating conflict. Amrita, the central character of the film, is a homemaker by choice. The slap wakes her up from the apparent bliss of domestic life and reveals patriarchy that even successful and independent women often fail to escape. There are multiple subtle nods within the movie to the patriarchy and assumptions surrounding women within our ecosystem that only a true feminist would pick up !
On the Basis of Sex (2018)
“If the law differentiates between people On the basis of sex, then how will women and men ever become equals.”
‘On the Basis of Sex’ is an American biographical legal drama film which charts the journey of a prominent equal rights lawyer in the US (Ruth Bader Ginsberg). The film highlights her experiences at Harvard Law School, and charts her journey of fighting gender discrimination and effecting changes in the US constitution.
Hidden Figures (2016)
"We go from being our fathers' daughters to our husbands' wives to our babies' mothers.”
Set in the 1960’s, Hidden Figures narrates the story of three Black women working at NASA. The film highlights their everyday struggles with racism and gender discrimination. Despite these challenging circumstances, these three women contribute triumphantly in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit! The film is also an inspiration to all women in every nook and corner of the world that sky's the limit.
Neerja (2016)
“Haunsla rakh… Usse saari samasya hal ho jaata hai” (Having a bit of courage solves every problem)
Neerja is based on the life of Neerja Bhanot, the Pan American air hostess who sacrificed her life going and above and beyond her duty. It also talks about how Neerja escapes her abusive marriage instead of enduring it and how her experiences gave her courage. It inspires girls everywhere to be brave and stand up for what they believe in.
Moana (2016)
“Sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface … Far beneath, in some cases.”
This is a story of an adventurous teenager who sets off on a mission to save the people of her island against the wishes and advice of her parents. It shows little girls that they can be leaders, overcome obstacles and be successful without finding their Prince Charming. Her bravery, self-determination and selflessness also shows girls that they can be the heroine of their life.
Queen (2013)
“Mein apne honeymoon pe akele aayi hoon” (I have come for my honeymoon alone)
This film tells a story of a young middle-class Indian girl who, like many others, has been made to believe that marriage is the end goal of a woman’s life. It subtly talks about the gender disparity faced by most Indian women. It shows the journey of an innocent, timid girl turned into a confident, ambitious woman. She is her own Queen who enjoys life irrespective of what is thrown at her and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
English Vinglish (2012)
“You have to help yourself. No one can help you better than you.”
A homemaker and a small-time entrepreneur Shashi Godbole has weak English-speaking skills. This makes her a constant butt of ridicule at the hands of her otherwise loving family. She is determined to learn the language, which helps her forge special friendships and rediscover herself!
This women’s day, find inspiration on screen and celebrate being a woman with us. Cheers to womanhood!
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