Films by season & age - Inspirational Women (Ages 15-18)

Seasons are a great way to explore different ideas through watching a group of films. Why not try watching all the films in a season and make some time for discussion. Topics and discussion points are included.

Although both history and the history of the movies are full of examples of heroic men, it's often harder to find attention being paid to women who have made a difference. So in this FILM CLUB season, we've gathered together classic movies concerned with women of strength, courage and independence - women who inspire.

Rather than tales of Queens and Princesses, the season instead focuses on stories of ordinary women who have taken control of their own lives, even when the world has tried to make that impossible - and who have triumphed over the odds as a result.

Suggested pair:

In both Whale Rider and The Color Purple, the central characters find themselves unfairly treated by the culture around them - but they manage to overcome that prejudice.

In Dead Man Walking and Gorillas in the Mist, we see two women prepared to make enormous sacrifices for what they believe in.

Talking points:

In which ways do you think people would have treated Erin Brockovich differently had she been a man?

If you found yourself in Mulan's position, would you have wanted to take your father's place in the army?