Great Films for Women

Rediscovered the 'Great Films..." list on page 26 of Fight Like a Girl, and just had to post about it. Of course, I have to get up at 5am for work tomorrow, but hell, I'm already up this late - what's another hour or two (or three)?

Reading down, I realized I've been intending to see about ten, hadn't heard of most and actually finished seven. Kind of embarassing considering how much of a movie buff I pride myself on being. (To be fair though, I tend to specialize in all things black and white. Ask my roommates. I've been told they know I'm home by the color of the movie on the TV screen.)

Here are my thoughts on the few that I've seen. For the rest of the list, go out and buy your own copy of Fight Like a Girl (I'm a poor college student. I don't need to get sued for copyright infringement).

Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (1994) A senior chef lives with his three grown daughters; the middle one finds her future plans affected by unexpected events and the life changes of the other household members.

My Thoughts: First saw this at the urging of my favorite drawing professor. His approximate words were, "I want you guys to draw like this guy cooks in the first five minutes of this film." Well, I started out with five minutes and ended up watching the whole thing.

Girl Interrupted (1999) Based on writer Susanna Kaysen's account of her 18-month stay at a mental hospital in the 1960s.

My Thoughts: It's been a while since I saw this one, so I'd have to view it again before giving an opinion.

Iron Jawed Angels (2004) young activists take the women's suffrage movement by storm, putting their lives at risk to help American women win the right to vote.

My Thoughts: Slight historical costume inaccuracies aside, I can't say enough good things about this film. Really enjoyed the juxtaposition of modern music and period images at the outset. Just recently reviewed it for class and I want to buy it. Don't think that's enough of a recommendation? What is it about 'poor college student' that you don't understand?

A League of Their Own (1992) Two sisters join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amidst their own growing rivalry.

My Thoughts: I've heard this movie criticized for a sentimental feel and poor casting, but don't you listen to any of it. Find a copy. Watch it. If you're strapped for cash, borrow it from your library.

Million Dollar Baby (2004) A hardened trainer/manager works with a determined woman in her attempt to establish herself as a boxer.

My Thoughts: Watched it once. I'd watch it again.

Shakespeare in Love (1998) A young Shakespeare, out of ideas and short of cash, meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays.

My Thoughts: Thumbs up. Also, if you like the concept of the woman-playing-a-man-playing-a-woman's-part, and have a yen for Shakespeare-related stories, you might also like the novel, My Father Had A Daughter: Judith Shakespeare's Tale. Warning: the book starts out slow, and is not for the "serious" Shakespearean. I would easily recommend it for younger readers (first read this in high school).

Thelma and Louise (1991) An Arkansas waitress and a housewife shoot a rapist and take off in a '66 Thunderbird.

My Thoughts: Sure, why not?

Okay, I realize the reviews get a bit short at points. However, my aim is to give options, not to tell you which ones to pick. Also, I get cranky when I don't get to bed on time. So with that, I say "Good Morning!"

Plot and Art courtesy of IMDB.com