Our 10 Must see Movies.
Where most films are purely based from the male perspective, here are some that are well made and not just about men. I think that most even pass the "Beckdale Test". I'm sure you have seen most of them but these 10 are keepers, perfect for that time of the month and great to watch with the girls or your mum.
Brief Encounter (1945)
Oscar nominated Meeting by chance at a train station, Londoners Alec and Laura (Trevor Howard, Celia Johnson), spring up a friendship that rapidly turns to romance, the problem is though they are both happily married. Set in 1940’s London this beautifully crafted film harps back to a more formal time.
All About Eve (1950)
Nominated for 14 and won 6 Oscars Intelligently written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz the plot centres on an aging theatre star (Bette Davis) whose life is being supplanted by a seditious apprentice (Anne Baxter) whom she helped. Bette Davis is her wonderful self A classic from Mankiewicz, a legendary screenwriter and the brilliant director
Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)
Nominated for 5, won 2 Oscars Adaptation of Truman Capote's Novella, Audrey Hepburn is a flighty street savvy New-Yorker getting by from living of the gifts her gentleman admires bestow. Hepburn befriends George Peppard (her upstairs neighbour), a kept man trying to become a writer. Their relationship soon turns to love and threatens the to compromise their off beat lives. Hepburn’s chic designer dresses are wonderful. Vulnerable but uplifting tale
The Color Purple (1962)
Nominated for 11 Oscars This Stephen Spielberg adaptation of Alice Walkers novel is a tour de force of triumph through adversity Alice Walker's novel. And became popular hit, Spielberg really knows how to show emotion and you get a big dose of it here. This is simply a great movie that all women should see. Whoopi Goldberg, made her screen debut in this movie and proves her real acting talent
Terms of Endearment (1983)
5 Oscars Inspired by Larry McMurtry's book. This is a true time of the month film (definitely get you’re tissues ready). A complex mix of a combative mother daughter relationship that hold together through various ups and downs in love and loss, and most especially through a terminal illness. Played by Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger with Jack Nicholson winning an Oscar for his supporting role. The true delight of this film is with real entirely believable charters and that you feel truly engrossed in their world.
Working Girl (1988)
Working Girl (1988) - Nominated for 6 Oscars including Best picture Witty, romcom looking at corporate life for women who haven’t attended the right school. Life in the corporate jungle stars Melanie Griffith as Tess McGill, an ambitious secretary who takes over her classy bosses office, apartment and wardrobe (Sigourneey Weaver) after a skiing accident. Uplifting film with Harrison Ford.
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
Driving Miss Daisy (1989) - 4 Oscars including Best picture This moving film records a 25 years of an ageing Southern widow (Jessica Tandy) and her loyal chauffeur (Morgan Freeman). This initially difficult relationship blooms into a true bond and they develop a deep mutual respect and admiration. This is a funny bitter sweet film deservedly in our “must see list”.
Thelma & Louise (1991)
Nominated for 6 and won 1 Oscar This modern classic road movie is a smart and funny gender reversal of the standard Hollywood buddy formula. Although this film was recognised at the time, it was highly underestimated as it took on more of a feminist charge, with characters that became instant cultural icons. The story is about two best friends (Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis) who embark on an adventure that turns into an interstate police chase after a traumatic incident makes both women into fugitives this film is said to be the one that launched Brad Pitt.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe (1991)
Nominated for 2 Oscars Adapted from the book Fannie Flagg's novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe Kathy Bates stars as a 40 something wife struggling with her husbands disinterest, she befriends Jessica Tandy a old woman and listens to her story of a lifelong friendship of two women in the 30’s which encourages Bates to take a more commanding role in her life. Filmed with dignity and grace this film inspires us to listen more and judge less.
Titanic (1997)
11 Oscars This film is a phenomenon on par with all the great love stories keep your tissues handy but if you haven’t seen it yet you must have been living under a rock, global box-office receipts of over $1 billion and winner of 11 Academy Awards including best picture and director, produce the best-selling movie soundtrack of all time, this movie has it all, romance, passion, luxury, epic scale, a nasty villain, and a tragic life-threatening event, it is beautifully filmed and really gripping. What more could any woman want from a film!