Favorite Female Films: movies that make me feel good to be a woman
Doris Murphy in A League of Their Own says, “I was always made fun of because I played ball, like I was weird, but after seeing all of you I can see it’s alright.”
I watched this movie recently and it made me think of other movies I’ve seen of amazing and inspiring women. When we see their stories, real or fiction, it makes us feel good, it makes us feel energized, and it makes us proud to be a woman.
I have put down some of my favorite movies about wonderful women. I recommend all of them to you. Also let me know your favorite female films and why they make you feel good to be a woman.
A League of Their Own -1992 PG 128 min. Stars Geena Davis as Dottie Hinson and Lori Petty as Kit Keller. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104694/
I finally saw this movie and wished I’d seen it sooner. It was enjoyable and inspiring; one I want to own and watch with my future daughters. I can not only tell them “This is a movie about women baseball players.” But “these things really happened.” It was a great look at what kind of women played the sport and how they are not so different from all of us.
Contact - 1997 PG 150 min. Stars Jodie Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118884/
This was a movie that I love and it inspired me as a teen. Ellie works hard to succeed in a male dominated field and has the passion to do it. The story of picking up radio signals from outer space in very interesting and I enjoyed it. The movie may be fiction but Ellie’s intelligence and determination were very real. Based on the book by Carl Sagan.
Warrior Queen - 2003 PG13 98 min. Stars Alex Kingston as Boudica. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338806/
I enjoyed the whole movie and especially the character of Boudica. It’s 100 AD she has to unite the native tribes of Britain to fight off the invading Romans. She was a determined and fierce leader and you can empathies with her struggle to keep her land and way of life. An interesting and engaging story and a look at a part of history I’m not as familiar with. I recently discovered this film and I recommend it.
Nim’s Island - 2008 PG 96 min. Stars Abigail Breslin as Nim Rusoe and Jodie Foster as Alexandra Rover. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410377/
This is a lovely story about a smart and independent girl and a woman who overcomes her fears in order to help a friend. I enjoyed the whole film as an adventure, comedy and a story of friendship.
Temple Grandin - 2010 PG 103 Min. Stars Claire Danes as Temple Grandin and Julia Ormond as Eustacia. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/
Temple loves science and learning how things work. Despite having autism she learns and becomes an expert in her field. I liked how her mother and aunt were her big supporters and helped her to do all that she could do. It is a great story about an interesting woman and the movie was very enlightening.
Errand of Angels - 2008 PG 91 min. Stars Erin Chambers as Sister Rachel Taylor. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1029285/
I completely enjoyed this movie. I often recommend this movie to friends and have given it as a gift as well. I felt like it really captured what life is like as a young female missionary; and how it is to live in a foreign country with people you don't always understand. This is a drama about real people, with real feelings; no crazy unbelievable things or characters.
Secretariat - 2010 PG 123 min. Stars Diane Lane as Penny Chenery. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1028576/
Penny knows what loves and what she wants to do. Her determination is inspiring. She has to work hard balance her work and her family. It’s great to see her also encourage her daughters to also go for their dreams like she is working to do.
Whip It - 2009 PG13 111 min. Stars Ellen Page as Bliss Cavendar. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1172233/
This is a story about growing up and finding your own passion. I loved this movie. It was exciting and touching and fun and charming. Ellen Page is great as the main character. We get to see the world of Roller Derby and all the people who are in it; fascinating. I'm glad I watched this one.
Joan of Arc - 1999 PG13 140 min. Stars Leelee Sobieski as Joan. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0178145/
Seeing the story of Joan was very a enlightening. I loved this one more that I thought I would. It was amazing and touching. The ending brought me close to tears.