Get ready to celebrate International Women’s Day in style with our curated selection of feminist movies to watch! On this special day dedicated to honoring women’s achievements and advocating for gender equality, there’s no better way to empower yourself than by immersing in the rich storytelling and powerful themes of feminist cinema.
From groundbreaking classics to contemporary gems, join us as we spotlight a diverse range of films that celebrate the strength, resilience, and triumphs of women around the world. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, empowerment, or simply a captivating movie night, these feminist films are sure to leave a lasting impact and ignite meaningful conversations. Let’s celebrate the spirit of womanhood together, one film at a time!
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
“Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”is a gripping crime drama directed and written by Martin McDonagh. The story revolves around Mildred Hayes, brilliantly portrayed by Frances McDormand, a grieving mother seeking justice for her daughter’s unsolved rape and murder. Mildred rents three billboards in a bold move to draw attention to the lack of progress in the case, igniting a firestorm of controversy in her small town.
As tensions rise, Mildred’s actions provoke a series of events that challenge the morality and integrity of the community, particularly involving Chief Bill Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) and Officer Jason Dixon (Sam Rockwell). The film navigates through themes of grief, redemption, and the complexities of human nature, culminating in a powerful exploration of forgiveness and empathy.
Main Characteristics:
- Director: Martin McDonagh
- Writer: Martin McDonagh
- Producers: Graham Broadbent, Peter Czernin, Martin McDonagh
- Starring: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, John Hawkes, Peter Dinklage
- Cinematography: Ben Davis
- Music: Carter Burwell
- Duration: 115 minutes
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Language: English
This multi-award-winning film captivates audiences with its stellar performances, thought-provoking narrative, and masterful direction, making it a must-watch for cinephiles and casual viewers.
Martin McDonagh, known for his prolific work in theater, selectively ventures into filmmaking, but when he does, his movies are gems worth discovering. “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” earns its place at the top of our list not by chance but by the sheer brilliance of McDonagh’s storytelling prowess.
Erin Brockovich
“Erin Brockovich”is a 2000 biographical legal drama directed by Steven Soderbergh and written by Susannah Grant. It tells the story of Erin Brockovich, portrayed by Julia Roberts, who takes on a legal battle against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California. Despite initial setbacks, Erin’s determination leads to a major class-action lawsuit against the company.
Main Characteristics:
- Director: Steven Soderbergh
- Writer: Susannah Grant
- Producers: Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
- Starring: Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, Aaron Eckhart
- Cinematography: Ed Lachman
- Music: Thomas Newman
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Jersey Films
- Distributed by Universal Pictures (North America), Columbia TriStar Film Distributors International (International)
- Release Date: March 17, 2000
- Running Time: 130 minutes
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Budget: $52 million
- Box Office: $256.3 million
- Genre: Biographical, Legal Drama
This critically acclaimed film received five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, and won Best Actress for Julia Roberts. It also garnered numerous other awards and nominations for its performances, direction, and screenplay.
Frida
“Frida”is a 2002 American biographical drama directed by Julie Taymor, depicting the tumultuous life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Starring Salma Hayek as Kahlo and Alfred Molina as her husband Diego Rivera, the film delves into Kahlo’s personal and professional struggles, her complex relationship with Rivera, and her enduring impact on art.
Main Characteristics:
- Director: Julie Taymor
- Running Time: 123 minutes
- Genre: Biographical drama
- Screenplay: Clancy Sigal, Diane Lake, Gregory Nava, Anna Thomas
- Based on: “Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo” by Hayden Herrera
- Producers: Sarah Green, Salma Hayek, Jay Polstein, Lizz Speed, Nancy Hardin, Lindsay Flickinger, Roberto Sneider
- Starring: Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush, Valeria Golino, Mía Maestro, Roger Rees, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton
- Cinematography: Rodrigo Prieto
- Music by: Elliot Goldenthal
- Production Companies: Ventanarosa, Lions Gate Films
- Distributed by: Miramax Films
- Release Dates: August 29, 2002 (Venice), October 25, 2002 (United States)
- Country: United States
- Language: English
- Budget: $12 million
- Box Office: $56.3 million