By Jasmine Nguyen, Culture Editor
Women’s History Month has quickly arrived, which means you have the whole month of March to respect women, I know a daunting task but! If you have time to spare after that and are looking for some ways to entertain yourself and uplift women’s narratives, these eight films might be for you.
I know it takes more to be an expert on cinema means having more than a Letterboxd account but that’s what I have, so I’m pretty much as good as the whole Academy of Motion Pictures Arts. So here are the films that personally think are a great way to entertain yourself this month. ( But don’t think you only have March to watch these films, fortunately, female narratives are a thing year-round. )
Sunny ( dir. Kang Hyeong-Cheol, 2011, South Korea )
Watch on Amazon or Viki | Trailer
A feel-good movie that follows a group of high school girls and their struggles in South Korea during the 1980s. Sunny is centered on the reunion of high school girls after 30 years apart, they finally reunite due to the Asian cinema cliche of a fatal illness but don’t let that stop you from watching. It’s a great film that focuses on the troubles of youth as well as a great film on the fragility of life. The characters are fun, the friendship between all the women heartwarming, plus it probably has my favorite fight scene in all of South Korean cinema.
The Handmaiden ( dir. Park Chan-wook, 2016, South Korea )
Watch on Amazon | Trailer
What better way to start off Women’s History Month than a historical revenge story rooted in class tension and political conflict. The main character Sook-hee ( Kim Taeri ) is hired by a con artist to become a handmaiden for a widowed duchess Lady Hideko ( Kim Minhee ), to urge her to marry the con artist ( who’s disguised himself as “The Count” ) in order to gain her inheritance. The films bring so many twists and turn and the performances by Kim Taeri as well as Kim Minhee are mesmerizing.
Kiki’s delivery service ( dir. Hayao Miyazaki, 1989, Japan )
Watch on Amazon | Trailer
A whimsical tale, Kiki’s Delivery Service follows the misadventures of a young witch as she ventures off alone for the first time. So many Studio Ghibli films do have female-led narratives but I chose this film because, throughout it, Kiki’s helped by other women. From a young painter who lives in the woods to the elderly woman who helps Kiki in the end. This is a great film that shows a young girl’s transition into adulthood, with the help of a supportive community. The bottom line is, the fact I’m not a cartoon witch is horrible I want a refund in life.
Tangerine ( dir. by Sean Baker, 2015, US )
Watch on Hulu | Trailer
How do I even start with this film? First of all, it was filmed only on an iPhone, second of all, the director actually cast trans women to play trans characters, third of all, it shows a side of Los Angles that isn’t dazzling or shallow like in most films. No, “Tangerine” is 90 minutes of comedy, petty revenge, and surprisingly tenderness between characters. The film follows Sin-Dee, (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a transgender sex worker who just got out of jail, and upon finding out her boyfriend has cheated on her, she drags her best friend Alexandria (Mya Taylor) along with her through to streets of Los Angles. Also, just the scene the film ends on is perfect and I’m still thinking about it.
Legally Blonde ( dir.Robert Luketic, 2001, US )
Watch on Amazon | Trailer
It’s a dumb movie I know. But it’s not as dumb as everyone makes it out to be, Legally Blonde turns stereotypes of the dumb and rich blonde girl on its head. The feminism in the story is cliche, and yes a little honed in, but the movie doesn’t look down on girls who are more in touch with their feminine side. The movie shows that any woman can get into Harvard Law if they work hard enough.
And in the words of the great Elle Woods, “What, like it’s hard?”?”
Eighth Grade ( Bo Burnham, 2018, U.S )
Watch on Amazon or iTunes | Trailer
When I was in eighth grade I had a huge crush on Bo Burnham. At 21 years old, I still do have a crush on Bo Burnham, but it’s mostly due to the film Eight Grade. No other film has put the anxiety, the fear, and the everyday struggles of being a middle school girl than this film. The main character’s Kayla Day ( Elsie Fisher ) just really nails the whole quiet middle school girl vibe on its head. Bottom line, watch this film, you may cringe because it reminds you of your own middle school days, but I think it’s half the fun.
Joy Luck Club ( Wayne Wang, 1993, U.S )
Watch on Amazon | Trailer
This film is on this list for a more personal reason than most of the other ones. First of all, I watched this film with my mother and my two sisters, so it’s already closer to my heart than the others. It’s no masterpiece, the film is more Hallmark than I would like to admit but as one of the first Asian American films that focus on Mother/Daughter relationships and the struggles of the community I have to overlook any of the cheesiness. It’s overdramatic for the right reasons, and its portrayal of the trauma many women faced is important.
Midsommar ( Dir. Ari Aster, 2019, U.S)
Watch on Amazon | Trailer
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t this some horror film about a Swedish cult? Yes, yes it is. But! This film is probably one of the best break up stories I’ve ever seen, ( even with my eyes covered in the gory parts ). The story doesn’t hide from the emotions the female main character is feeling, no it embarrasses the anxiety, the grief, and anger Dani feels. I don’t want to spoil anything else further but, “Midsommar” is an empowering film that will probably make you feel better about standing your ground as a woman aka break up with your good for nothing boyfriend, he’s only holding you back.
These movies aren’t the only empowering women narratives out there, these are just the ones I’ve watched and personally fallen in love with. But if you’ve watched most of these already, and are interested in more women-centered media, the Bulletin has you covered, and will be releasing similar lists, for T.V shows, music, and books throughout March.
