Real Live Women

In recent weeks, the media has been full of news about and for women. You can't read a single headline without encountering either a great achievement in women's issues or a perceived setback in the battle of the sexes. We're repeatedly presented with women that are pushing the envelope in their respective niches and we are invited to judge them: Is the octomom out of her mind? Is Barbie an outdated symbol? And just who does Amy Winehouse think she's kidding?

As women, we set trends so that we can break them, and we break rules so that we can rewrite them according to our own definitions. We don't always get it right (and in fact often clash with each other along the way), but no one can claim we are not trying. We want to change the world around us--but only the parts that need it!

Over the past several years, women have been finding their way into a greater number of film roles that portray them for who they really are in life's most notable moments. Although we have been depicted at our worst, we are also shown off at our best. And when it's done right, we don't mind that our secrets are being told. We're proud of them, even when they're bad.

After all, it was Marilyn Monroe who said, "...I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." This week's Friday five demonstrates the importance of both. They're not all based on true stories, but they all represent some very real, and very strong, women.

You can support the efforts for the advancement of women in the film industry! Visit WomenInFilm to learn how.



Charlie Wilson's War: The war may have been Charlie Wilson's, but the victory belonged to Joanne Herring. Together, the Texas congressman (Tom Hanks) and the Houston socialite (Julia Roberts) coordinate a clandestine mission into the Middle East that changes the course of the world. Based on a true story. Rated R

Monster: Although she never fit anybody's definition of a hero, Aileen Wuornos was a woman to be reckoned with. When a roadside encounter turns deadly, Aileen (Charlize Theron) commits an act of self-defense that will quickly become a way of life. Aileen will resort to anything to hold onto her troubled relationship with the naive Selby (Christina Ricci), including taking full responsibility for the carnage they've left behind them. Rated R

Whale Rider: Pai is certain that she was born to be Maori Chief. Unfortunately, her New Zealand tribe is patriarchal, and has been for over a thousand years. Tradition dictates that the first-born male must lead the tribe, but there is no male and time is running out. There is only Pai, and she will not be turned from her destiny. Rated PG-13

Mrs. Henderson Presents: Just before World War II, affluent widow Laura Henderson buys a rundown old theater in London's West End and launches a popular, non-stop revue. When the competition matches the challenge, Mrs. Henderson (Dame Judith Dench) raises the bar for entertainment. When she suggests to Lord Chamberlain that she intends to host a nude show, more than an eyebrow is raised. Based on a true story. Rated R

Million Dollar Baby: Frankie (Clint Eastwood) is a grizzled old boxing coach; Maggie (Hilary Swank) is an eager young boxer. When she approaches Frankie to be her manager, she is met with one of the hardest fights of her life. Maggie's dream is powerful, though, and her successes come swiftly. When tragedy strikes at the peak of her career, both Maggie and Frankie must make some quick decisions about the rest of their lives. Rated PG-13

feathermaye's Friday five is a regular feature at Fabulously40 & Beyond.