Olivia Pope from “Scandal,” Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation,” and Buffy Summers from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” might be the first women who come to mind when we hear the phrase “strong female lead,” but the most inspiring, determined and complicated female characters in the media are not fictional. They are based on real women who overcame obstacles and negativity to achieve the impossible and change history. So, kick back, grab a bag of popcorn, watch these films about real-life heroines and feel empowered this Women’s History Month.
“The Iron Lady” (2011)
Politics has always been considered a man’s game. Margaret Thatcher not only proved that women can play too, but she dominated it as the longest serving prime minister of the United Kingdom in the 20th century. “The Iron Lady” delves into two of the biggest struggles Thatcher faced in her lifetime: her challenging goal to become the first female prime minister in the United Kingdom and her battle with dementia later in life. In case a film about a woman beating the odds and paving the way for other female leaders isn’t enticing enough, Meryl Streep plays Thatcher in easily her most inspiring role to date, for which she unsurprisingly won an Oscar.
“Frida” (2002)
Frida Kahlo was so much more than just a Mexican painter with thick eyebrows and bold floral crowns. She was a free spirit who wasn’t afraid to break social expectations to be herself, whether it meant dressing up in men’s clothes for her sister’s wedding photos or dancing intimately with other women in a room full of strangers. She was a game changer who showed women that nothing — men, family or even health — should hold us back from pursuing our passions and achieving our dreams. “Frida” effectively captures Kahlo’s care free attitude, hunger for adventure and perseverance, even through her physical deterioration.
“Zero Dark Thirty” (2012)
Oscar-nominated “Zero Dark Thirty” follows Maya, a pseudonym for a real-life CIA agent, in her search for infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden. While the name of the real CIA agent responsible for the discovery is not known, she is still an important figure who dramatically changed recent American history. “Zero Dark Thirty” is a thrilling film that chronicles the CIA agent’s hard work and determination to find the man responsible for the September 11 attacks and avenge those who lost their lives on that devastating day. She is a courageous, strong American hero who deserves to be acknowledged for her impact.
“Mulan” (1998)
Yes, “Mulan” is a fictional Disney movie that turned an ancient Chinese legend into an animated, kid-friendly tale. However, according to historians, Mulan actually existed and, just like the movie, dressed like a man to serve in the army. Mulan defined what it really meant to fight like a girl as a talented fighter — well-trained in various weapons, archery and martial arts — who served for 12 years. Granted — at least according to present historical knowledge — there was no red talking dragon companion named Mushu and there were no random musical numbers. But, historical inaccuracies aside, “Mulan” is a fun little film that still pays homage to ancient Chinese history and a real female warrior.
