For many years, most of the movies have portrayed women in supporting roles – a damsel in distress, a romantic interest of the male protagonist, a loving mother or as a homemaker. Off late, there has been a gradual shift towards more nuanced and diverse representations of women on the big screen.
As we approach International Women’s Day (March 8), let us reflect on some iconic women characters who graced the silver screen, inspiring audiences worldwide with their strength, resilience, and determination. From fearless warriors to compassionate leaders, these characters have shattered both stereotypes and barriers. They have empowered and motivated women to pursue their dreams and break new ground. Let us give a tribute to these incredible female protagonists. This blog post contains five best characters- some fictional, some real characters.
1.Katniss Everdeen (The Hunger Games)
In a dystopian society where the odds are stacked against her, Katniss Everdeen emerges as a symbol of resilience and defiance. Jennifer Lawrence portrays as Katniss, who evolves from reluctant tribute to save her younger sister to fearless rebel leader. Despite the brutality of the Hunger Games and the oppressive regime of the Capitol, Katniss refuses to be silenced, inspiring others to revolt against tyranny and fight for freedom. She inspires a rebellion, proving that even the smallest spark can ignite change. Katniss is intelligent, brave and caring – a true inspiration. Read more about Katniss in my earlier post
Katniss inspires us by her
- Survival skills and adaptability
- Courage in facing adversity
- Willingness to sacrifice for others
- Leadership skills
2. Erin Brockovich (Erin Brockovich,2000)
Based on a true story, Erin Brockovich is a real-life hero who takes on corporate giants in pursuit of justice for the victims of environmental pollution. Driven by justice and a desire to help, she takes on a powerful corporation, ultimately winning a record settlement for the affected residents. Her motivation stems from empathy and resilience. With her sharp wit, unyielding determination, and relentless pursuit of the truth, Erin refuses to back down in the face of adversity, inspiring others to stand up for what is right. Julia Robert’s powerful portrayal of title character earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Erin Brockovich inspired us by
- Fighting for what is right
- Taking action against injustice
- Demonstrating of empathy and compassion
- Being relentless in following her goal
3. Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series)
Hermione Granger, a brainy and trustworthy friend from Harry Potter series, is not simply a sidekick. Hermione has always shown her intelligence, courage, and loyalty to her friends in the film series. She doesn’t hesitate to go against authority if it means standing by what she believes in.
Hermione inspires us by her
- Unwavering loyalty and bravery
- Selflessness and empathy
- Decision making and leadership skills
- Determination to overcome obstacles
4. The Incredible women of Hidden Figures
Hidden Figures, 2016 film talks about the incredible true story of three brilliant African-American women – Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson – who made significant contributions to NASA and the United States space program in the 1960s. Their genius and perseverance allowed them to break through barriers and glass ceilings despite facing racial and gender discrimination.
Katherine Johnson helped in calculating the flight trajectories that allowed the first American astronauts to successfully orbit the Earth and ensure their safe return from Earth’s orbit. Dorothy Vaughan was the first African-American supervisor at NASA and an expert computer programmer who helped pioneered electronic computing for NASA’s biggest missions. Mary Jackson battled racism and sexism to become NASA’s first African-American female engineer.
5. Sarah Connor (Terminator Series)
Sarah starts her journey as an ordinary woman who is pushed into extra ordinary circumstances of facing a cyborg assassin from future. She learns that she is destined to give birth to the future saviour of human race. Sarah undergoes rigorous training to become physically strong and skilled in combat to protect her son, John, from the relentless Terminators.
Sarah Connor inspires us by
- Overcoming adversity and danger
- Becoming a strong and powerful leader
- Channeling grief into determination
- Sacrificing personal safety for personal good
These strong women remind us that courage, intelligence, and resilience come in all forms, size and shapes, breaking down stereotypes. These powerful portrayals not only entertain but also empower, leaving a lasting impact that reminds us all to embrace our own strength and pursue our dreams.
