Having a girls’ movie night and don’t know what to watch?! Try one of these:
The Women (1939)
Modern films boast of female empowerment, but in truth, they cannot hold a candle to this impossibly witty, multi-faceted, and deeply profound film.
Did I mention that there are no men in the film whatsoever? That’s right, The Women is just that: a look at women and only women. While the story follows a marvelous array of characters, the protagonist, Mary Haines (Norma Shearer), has recently discovered that her husband is unfaithful. Thus cues the drama of vicious gossip, overly helpful friends, and Mary’s own dilemma regarding how to react.
Riotously hilarious but ultimately a uniquely moving film, The Women champions femininity, by shamelessly diving into the battle between vice and virtue. This film should not be missed.
Far From the Madding Crowd (2015)
Thomas Hardy’s classic novel comes to life in this glittering masterpiece starring Carrey Mulligan. Bathsheba Everdeen is a woman of spunk and self-confidence. Having recently inherited her uncle’s farm, she is thrust into a world of business and men. Yet, instead of taking an incredulous perspective of an uneducated woman championing over all, the film honestly depicts the internal struggles of an individual who is strong, adept, and resourceful but also a young woman desperately trying to grasp what it means to be a woman.
Rated PG13 for some sensual content.
Rebecca (1940)
Alfred Hitchcock’s retailing of Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca is nothing short of brilliant. Perfectly cast, this film keeps you at the edge of your seat while also heralding feminine virtue.
The movie follows a young, unnamed woman (Joan Fontaine) who marries the auspicious widower, Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). Yet, as the story morphs from whirlwind romance to thriller, it seems that his late wife, the beautiful Rebecca, haunts each corridor of his memory. Excellent film based off an even more excellent novel, Rebecca always makes for a great movie night. (Just make sure to avoid the 2020 version! It’s garbage.)
To the Wonder (2012)
Some believe Director Terrance Mallick is ridiculous, others find him captivating, while some believe he is an acquired taste.
Personally, I believe that Mr. Mallick is the poet of the film world. Due to his unique style, his films convey more than what they say, and leave you with so much to savor and ponder.
Neil (Ben Affleck) is in love with the beautiful mother and divorcée that he met in Paris. The film follows the nuances and trials of their relationship while juxtaposed the tale of a Catholic priest undergoing spiritual dryness. Potent yet gentle, the film questions what is love and its transformative power.
Warning! This film is rightly rated R. It depicts modern relationships and marriage, fidelity and infidelity, and is not shy about depicting such matters. There is nudity throughout the film.
