When we talk about feminism, we usually think about protests, female activists, and women empowerment. Through media and entertainment, we’ve been influenced and educated about the power and compassion of women, but how have we as a generation truly been affected by this? First, we have to know what ‘feminism’ means; a quick Google search will tell us that it is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of equality of the sexes”. With a focus on entertainment, we can then dive into the films of the early 2000s that inspire this feminist agenda whilst also empowering women.
The first films I’ll discuss are those that focus on women in the workforce. This includes the likes of Erin Brockovich (2000), Legally Blonde (2001), and Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones (2002). That last one seems a bit out of place, huh? So, let’s dive into these.
Erin Brockovich
This movie is a dramatisation of the true story of Erin Brockovich, as American paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmentalist. Portrayed by Julia Roberts, the film follows her legal case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company over its culpability for the Hinkley groundwater contamination incident. With a strong female lead and the truth behind the story, this film started strong in the expansion of feminism in the early 2000s.
Legally Blonde
I’m sure every young girl idolised the fictional lawyer clad in pink known as Elle Woods. Portrayed as a ditzy, unintelligent, stereotypical blonde, Woods was able to prove her peers wrong by graduating from Harvard Law. Despite being a comedy at heart, the journey of self-discovery this female lead travels is an inspiration to women in the workforce; it shows the audience that they are capable of whatever they set their heart and mind on despite the obstacles they may face.
Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones
Like I said earlier, this one might be a bit out of a shock on this list, but how could I possibly talk about powerful women without mentioning Senator Padmé Amidala? While this is an epic space adventure, Natalie Portman’s Padmé is a force to be reckoned with in this Star Wars prequel. With the title of Former Queen of Naboo, Padmé once again represents the notions of strength, power, and love. For the science fiction loving film buffs, Padmé Amidala is definitely a woman that inspires hearts and minds.
The next (and last) films I’ll talk about are centred more around women in society, family, and friendship. These include Mona Lisa Smile (2003), Pride & Prejudice (2005), and The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants (2005). Let’s get back into it, yeah?
Mona Lisa Smile
With a predominantly female cast, this film tackles many of the trials and tribulations women face in society, from work, to love, and even to friendship. While there are many characters I could focus on, the one who truly sticks out to me is Joan Brandwyn, portrayed by Julia Stiles. An intelligent young woman studying Art History at Wellesley College, Joan considers studying law. She is persuaded to apply to Yale Law School, where she is accepted. Despite this, Joan opts to play the stereotypical role of housewife at the time. The reason I chose to write about this character is because she tells Katherine (her teacher) that choosing to be a wife and mother does not reduce her intelligence. So, how does this inspire feminism? The power of women should not only be reduced to the workplace; a woman’s role in the home does not make her any less of a person than others. Women should not be ridiculed for wanting a home and family of their own, and Joan Brandwyn perfectly represents that.
Pride & Prejudice
There was no way I would have written about the joys of being a woman without including a period drama. Pride & Prejudice, a romantic drama based on the 1813 Jane Austen novel of the same name, follows the lives of five sisters who deal with issues of marriage, morality, and misconceptions. The lead protagonist Elizabeth Bennet, portrayed by Keira Knightly, is an intelligent, most admiral and endearing heroine. Faithful to her family, Elizabeth is a source of female empowerment. She inspired feminism through her resilience and power, and will continue to be an icon of Jane Austen’s works.
The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants
I chose this film for its portrayal of female friendship. While it may not inspire feminism’s traditional meaning, I think it is equally as important to discuss as the other films I have written about. Why? Because feminism requires support, but that support must first come from within. The four friends in this movie are a perfect representation of that, because they show the notion of ‘women supporting women’. The significance of this is so great, as women need to uplift one another to be able to be a driving force of the feminist agenda.
Well, there you have it. There are many other movies that also deal with feminism and inspiring women around the world, such as New Zealand’s own drama Whale Rider (2002). Women are so cool, remember that. Also, the early 2000s have the best films and you cannot argue with me.
