Not Just 'BARBIE', These Films Also Address Feminism Issues

Kapanlagi.com - Written by Ashyla Faiq Al furqaan

Recently, the film industry has been buzzing with a film that was released in theaters last week. The film is titled BARBIE. Released on July 21, 2023, this film has become a topic of conversation for many people. The reason is that when she was still a child, the doll character was depicted as a graceful princess with a relaxed storyline.

The film BARBIE progressively explores various issues, including feminism, capitalism, and patriarchy. In the opening part of the film, it can be seen how the doll is viewed as a symbol of women's domestication.

In this film, Barbie is portrayed not only as a beautiful doll, but also as a character with ambitions. Well, if you are interested in films with feminism issues, you can watch the recommended films that we have summarized. Come on, check the list of films below!

1. LITTLE WOMEN (2019)

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LITTLE WOMEN is an American drama film in 2019. The film is an adaptation of a novel from 1868 with the same title. With a duration of 135 minutes, this film has many moral messages that can be learned in life. 

It tells the story of four sisters living in the 19th century after the Civil War in the United States. The four sisters are Jo March, portrayed as a talented writer, but women in that era were still bound by social norms. Unlike her older sister, Meg March,  the eldest sister who wants to experience life as a housewife. 

The third sister is Beth March, depicted as a loving person with exceptional musical talent. However, her weak health becomes a challenge in developing her potential. Amy March, as the youngest sister, has artistic talent and is enthusiastic about achieving success. 

LITTLE WOMEN highlights how the lives of these four sisters, each with different personalities and ambitions, strive to face social limitations and patriarchal norms at that time. 

2. ENOLA HOLMES (2020)

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This film directed by Harry Bradbeer also addresses feminist issues. ENOLA HOLMES tells the story of a young girl named Enola Holmes, played by Millie Brown, who is the younger sister of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. 

When Enola's mother, Eudoria Holmes, mysteriously disappears on her 26th birthday, Enola decides to find out her mother's whereabouts and uncover the reasons behind her departure. 

Enola grew up in an unconventional environment as her mother raised her to be a strong, independent, and intelligent woman. While searching for her mother, she must face numerous significant puzzles. 

Enola encounters many obstacles in her search for her mother. However, thanks to her exceptional detective skills and intelligence, she is able to confront challenges, discover the truth, and protect herself from danger.

3. MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS (2017)

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Unexpectedly, it turns out that there are also Indonesian films that address feminist issues. The film is MARLINA THE MURDERER IN FOUR ACTS. Set in a remote village on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara, it presents the beauty of its natural surroundings. However, who would have thought that the storyline is quite horrifying. 

The story begins with a brutal scene where a group of armed men come to Marlina's house to rob and rape her. Marlina successfully defends herself by killing one of them in an effort to defend her honor. 

After that incident, she decides to seek justice and resolve this problem on her own. The film depicts Marlina's struggle to find justice and attain freedom from the burden of traumatic events that have befallen her. A tough, strong, and independent woman is portrayed brilliantly in the character of Marlina.

4. SUFFRAGETTE (2015)

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If you like historical drama with feminist issues, SUFFRAGETTE can be a choice for your watchlist. Directed by Sarah Gavron, it tells the story of the struggle of the women's suffrage movement in 20th century England.

This film is set in London in 1912. Maud Watts is a factory worker who lives in difficult social conditions. She is trapped in a life as a marginalized housewife in a patriarchal society. 

One day, Maud gets involved in a protest action that leads her into the circle of the women's suffrage movement. Starting from hesitation, she eventually becomes an active member of the movement and becomes part of the women fighting for equality and suffrage. 

So, KLovers, are you interested in watching it with feminist issues?

(kpl/ash)