In a time when most Hollywood movies are made for 16-25 year old boys, it is important for girls to see empowering stories about other girls. There are stories of girls who find courage to stand up against injustices in society ("The Secret Life of Bees" and "Whale Rider" and "West Side Story." ) And those who stand up for themselves by expressing themselves. ("Dirty Dancing" and "Wadjda" and "Akeela and the Bee") These brave girls give
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Akeelah and the Bee
Akeelah. Definition: Eleven year old girl from South Los Angeles who overcomes great personal trials to become a national spelling bee champion and an inspiration to her neighborhood. A-K-E-E-L-A-H.
There are strong performances from his stellar cast including Angela Bassett (as Akeelah's mother) and Laurence Fishburne (as her coach.) But it was Kete Palmer's authentic performance as Akeelah that drew me into the story. By the end, I was whole-heartedly rooting for her -- not only for her courage and perseverance but for the kindness she shows in competition.
Her coach teaches her to overcome her fears and embrace her strengths and talents. He shares a quote from Marianne Williamson, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure....As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people the permission to do the same." Akeelah holds onto this into the competition and becomes an inspiration to her neighborhood and all those who see this film.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
In one of the moodiest and most compelling Potter films, a dangerous criminal (Voldemort's trusted aide Sirius Black) has escaped from the Azkaban prison and wants to kill Harry to avenge the Dark Lord. To make it worse, vile creatures called Dementors are appointed to guard the school gates and have a horrible effect on Harry. But it is the smartest witch of her generation, Herione Granger, who is the brains and brawn of this film. As Ron says when she slugs Draco, "Brilliant." Brilliant indeed.
The Great Debaters
"The Great Debaters" was Reel Inspiration's Most Inspiring Film in 2007. The message of this film is that it is our responsibility to speak up against injustice, even unjust laws. By standing up to them, we give others the courage to do the same. It is empowering to see this underdog debate team from a black college, go up against Harvard. While people back home are still being lynched, the team is treated with respect for their accomplishments.
To Kill a Mockingbird
In this classic film, Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his kids against prejudice. His curious, rambunctious daughter, Scout, shows great loyalty, tenacity, and courage in protecting her family and neighbor.
West Side Story
In this 60's classic musical version of, "Romeo and Juliet," Maria and Tony find strength in love to stand up against their racist neighborhood street gangs.
Whale Rider
A young Maori girl fights to fulfill her destiny as the leader of her tribe. But her grandfather refuses to accept it because she is breaking outdated Maori traditions by being a girl.
This is the movie that inspired me to start Reel Inspiration to promote empowering films.
The Secret Life of Bees
The Secret Life of Bees" is a coming of age story set in the South during the Civil Rights Movement. A runaway white girl learns to cope with the painful truth and find forgiveness through the unconditional love of this uniquely liberated black family. I wanted to stay in the world of this heartwarming film and join the family.
Winter’s Bone
When her father disappears after putting the family house and farm up for bail, sixteen year old Ree (Jennifer Lawrence in her first role) must traverse the dangerous backwoods of the Ozarks to bring him back. “Winter's Bone” was filmed on location in the Ozarks giving it an authentic feel by using their music, language, and customs. Writer/director Debra Granik and writer Anne Rosellini gave us a strong teenage heroine who showed loyalty, determination and strength as she did what had to be done to protect her young siblings and taught them the necessary survival skills in case she failed.
Soul Surfer
“Soul Surfer” is about a traditional family with a new twist – family life revolves around their passion for surfing. The mother (Helen Hunt) home schools her daughter, Bethany, (Anna Sophia Robb) to allow her to train to be a championship level surfer. The sport isn't her whole life. This close knit family has created a balanced life that also includes family, friends, and church. So when tragedy strikes (a shark bites off Bethany's arm), the family finds strength in God and each other. The way the family deals with the tragedy brings them closer together. Supported by understanding parents, Bethany finds her true path and meaning in her life. It's cool to see a true story about a teenager who embraces a calling greater than herself.
Wadjda
The Most Inspiring Film on Reel Inspiration's 2013 list. "Wadjda,” by female writer/director Haifaa Al, is a deceptively simple story of a Saudi girl’s pursuit of money to buy a bike. Saudi girls are actually forbidden to ride bikes because it is seen as dangerous to their virtue. By pursuing this goal, Wadjda courageously challenges Saudi patriarchal traditions. Wadjda doesn't know where she belongs. While father seems to love her and her mother, we soon discover that he is looking for a new wife. His parents are pressuring him to replace her mom because she can’t bear him a son. Her mother is a product of the patriarchal society that is displacing her. She refuses to accept a job closer to home because the female employees don’t cover their faces. She forbids Wadjda from buying the bike. But she is too busy trying to hold onto her husband to notice Wadjda’s attempt to win money for the bike in a Quran recitation contest.
It is incredible that this movie was even made. It was the first feature film shot in Saudi Arabia. It is even more groundbreaking because it was directed by a women.