Films mirror our lives and also influence them. Women, like most minority social groups, understand this fact very well. They have been impacted negatively as a result of many harmful tropes perpetuated by popular media, like films, for decades. For instance, legendary female characters who popularised traditional gender tropes of mothers, wives and daughters have for years compelled women around the world to replicate their example. This has restricted women’s self-perception in homes, in society and even at work. Women are expected to be sensitive, gentle and obedient and any departure from this model is criticised and discouraged.
But some movies have also spotlighted some of women’s most revolutionary and poignant stories. They have detailed real life experiences and struggles with the ideal standard with care and sincerity. Here are some of our recommendations of movies that exemplify the struggles and triumphs of the female experience:
Steel Magnolias
Year of release: 1989
Director: Herbert Ross
Production house: Rastar Productions
Language: English
The small, unseen tribulations of women’s lives in a small, traditional southern town in America is the story of Steel Magnolias. As these women deal with trauma, self-doubt and the art of letting go, they come together in subtle acts of solidarity that helps them grow. The movie explores the stories of a mother who wants a better life for her daughter, a people-pleasing wife learning to say no, a young woman coming out of her shell and becoming confident and more.
The Favourite
Year of release: 2018
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Production house: Scarlett Films, Element Pictures, Waypoint Entertainment
Language: English
A political drama that unfolds not in the Houses of Parliament, among influential men of the realm, but in the inner household quarters of the Queen of Britain. Queen Anne is caught in a tug of war between her two court favourites, the illustrious Duchess of Marlborough and the newcomer, Baroness Masham. From tea-time to playing with pet rabbits, the two ladies are engaged in a tireless game of political intrigue to capture royal favour and wield state powers reserved only for men.
Laapataa Ladies
Year of release: 2023
Director: Kiran Rao
Production house: Jio Studios, Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures
Language: Hindi
This movie follows a heartwarming story of two young women, sheltered from the world and raised with patriarchal values, charting a journey of self-discovery, liberation and agency. Aided along with the way by allies who turn friends from strangers, chosen families who acknowledge their own inherent biases to become their biggest advocates and anti-heroes who turn the tide in the end when you least expect it. Laapataa Ladies is a sweet and true testament to everyday acts of feminism.
The Colour Purple
Year of release: 1985
Director: Steven Spielberg
Production house: Amblin Entertainment, The Guber-Peters Company
Language: English
At the intersections of class, race and gender The Colour Purple portrays a protagonist who has had the toughest of lives. Set in 1900 America, Celie has suffered from years of violent abuse by her father, husband and stepchildren. But as new women enter her life, a strong-willed daughter in law, a friend and later a partner, a changed sister, she is empowered to take hold of her life and leave situations that have suppressed her, her whole life.
Super Deluxe
Year of release: 2019
Director: Thiagarajan Kumararaja
Production house: Tyler Durden and Kino Fist, Alchemy Vision Works, East West Dream Work Entertainment
Language: Tamil
An anthology of stories, the first of which follows a transgender woman who reunites with her former wife and child who she had left behind on her transition journey. Focusing mainly on her relationship with her son, the woman is consistently humiliated in front of him by police officers. She is troubled to hear that her son is bullied in school for having a transgender parent. Ultimately, when she decides to stay away from his family to spare them the trouble, she is touched by their unconditional acceptance of her identity.
Women’s role and position in society have been influenced by popular culture for decades, whether they are bardic songs, social treatise or cult novels. When movies portray them through the nuanced lens of lived experiences, they mould social opinion on gender equity. Write to us with your favourite movies on female agency, rights and empowerment. Also take a look at our TV show recommendations for the best representation of female equality.
Go beyond tokenism and address real issues that women continue to face in society and in your teams at work. Make a difference. Create impact. Write to us at hello@serein.in and let us help you on this journey of inclusion, belonging and real, tangible change.