We are more than just pretty princesses. Women are strong, smart, and unstoppable. I believe there is a strong importance to have female leads in mainstream films.
As one looks back on many old films, women are seen as just wives doing their daily chores. This including cooking, cleaning, taking care of kids and doing whatever the husband says needs to be done. The housewive was a woman's place in the world. But guess what? We don't live in this narrow-minded world anymore.
Women can do anything they want to do today, which is why seeing female leads is extremely vital. As much as people say media does not affect them, it does. When a young girl watches a powerhouse woman lead in a movie, they can feel inspired to be that character in real life.
Some movies have really succeeded in this.
Hermione Granger was seen as a power lead. She was not just a sidekick to the two boys; she was one of the main characters. Her character is based on her brains and not her looks.
Princess Leia has become General Leia in the Star Wars Saga.
Ghostbusters is filled with a powerful female leads saving the world from dangerous ghosts. One of the women is a nuclear engineer which emphasizes women joining the STEM world.
In the new movie Annihilation, the main character, Lena, is a biologist who volunteers to explore an environmental disaster that is extremely dangerous. This character portrays how strong and bad-ass women can be.
I am glad to see the portrayals of women are shifting from the importance of beauty to powerful and smart characters. Women are incredible, and by showing their passionate mindsets through jobs and opportunities via film, we can inspire the younger generation of women that they can do succeed in doing whatever they want to do or become.
