Cover Clockwise: Film stills from ‘Charlie's Angels’, ‘Insiang’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Kill Bill’
Clockwise: Film stills from ‘Charlie's Angels’, ‘Insiang’, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, ‘Kill Bill’
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Are you looking to watch something inspiring? Here are our favourites!
Sometimes, the best way to spend a weekend is with an excellent, empowering movie shown onscreen. If you’re looking to find something like that to watch, perhaps it’s best to direct you to some of our team’s favourite feminist films. With inspiring plotlines and strong female characters, these movies aren’t just cult classics—they’re all-time must-sees that deserve to be watched and rewatched.
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Today, we ask some of our team’s most beloved flicks and hear how this movie has become an all-time favourite.
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The Devil Wears Prada
“Although it’s not a ‘feminist’ film per se, The Devil Wears Prada is one that I rewatch effortlessly through the years if not to see Emily suffer through another stomach flu to reach her goal weight or fawn over Andy rocking the Chanel boots, but more to enjoy the hyperbolic portrayal of women in the publishing industry.
We all struggle with many unrealistic and subliminal expectations—from weight and looks to career advancements and sacrifices (family versus jobs). The Devil Wears Prada and its colourful, albeit morally ambiguous characters are entertaining reminders of the pressures women face in the workforce and society at large.
Despite being at the top, Miranda Priestly is criticised for her work ethic, called many names, and is infamous for being exacting, whereas were she a man, no one would bat an eye (as Andy so brazenly explained to Christian Thompson). What do women have to do to succeed? What do we have to sacrifice to achieve our dreams? If the movie is anything to base on, it’s just family, friends, health, sanity – you know, the small things. Packaged as a fun popcorn blockbuster, the movie still offers a deeper mental memento: that womanhood is a Sisyphean task. With our roles defined by the powers-that-be, breaking the mould always comes at a price that may prove a tad too hefty for some.”
- Dowee Untivero, Digital Director
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande
"This heartwarming comedy/drama starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack provokes thoughtful conversation about a woman's right to sexual pleasure and self-discovery. Witty and poignant, the film explores the shame women carry about claiming their right to an orgasm and how sensuality should transcend all ages. A woman is sexy not because of how her body looks but because of how she feels. It's a beautiful film that I highly recommend!"
- Stephanie Zubiri, Tatler Homes Philippines Editor-in-Chief
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Sex and the City
“[I enjoy the film because it] shows four perspectives of womanhood from the four characters. It’s also very straightforward but also glamorous and fun.”
- Maritess Reyes, Senior Features Editor
Kill Bill
“Kill Bill Vol. 1 (2003) and Kill Bill Vol. 2 (2004) by Quentin Tarantino were both landmark action films at the dawn of the 21st century. Coming from an era where agentive solid roles are typically given to men, here came a movie with a strong female lead character avenging the death of her daughter and herself from the betrayal of her friends.
However, if we think of Simone de Beauvoir’s The Second Sex, the Kill Bill films may not pass as an actual feminist film. The main driving force of the series is the sanctification of maternity, as seen in the unnamed Bride (Uma Thurman) character’s motivation to be married and bear a child. This contrasts de Beauvoir’s image of a liberated woman, in my opinion, leaving us with scenes of female oppression and objectification both internally and externally throughout the film. However, the films were instrumental in creating successful blockbusters and auteur films in Hollywood, particularly in the action genre, with strong female leads who are not trapped by societal values and norms.”
- Franz Sorilla IV, Arts & Culture Editor
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Charlie's Angels (2019)
“My top pick is easily Charlie’s Angels, especially its 2019 reboot with Kristen Stewart, Ella Balinska, and Naomi Scott. Say what you want about it, but the revelation still sends chills down my spine to this day.”
- Jove Moya, Features Writer
Insiang
“Lino Brocka, together with scriptwriter Mario O’Hara, masterfully captured the idea that the struggle of a woman is intrinsically linked to the society she belongs to, the agency that is forcibly taken away from her, and finally, the necessity to act upon her empowerment given these conditions. Hilda Koronel’s portrayal of the titular character gives so much depth that the histrionics swing from melodrama to veracity. The film is unforgiving—and so is the protagonist (rightfully so).”
- Jio Baldesimo, Social Media Editor
Mulan (1998)
“Everyone who knows me knows I’m not much of a movie person, so truth be told, I don’t know a lot of feminist films. But I can honestly say I love Mulan (1998). You see a woman who fights for her country, her family, and herself against societal norms that are deeply entrenched—and she succeeds! She didn’t need a prince to save her either, and she didn’t need a royal title to make her one of Disney’s most beloved characters. Also, the soundtrack is pretty great.”
- Ryanne Co, Features Writer
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