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My Top Ten Movie Countdown - Girl Power Edition!
Monday, March 18, 2013 at 1:29PM 
Alex J. Cavanaugh’s Top Ten Movie Countdown Blogfest highjacks this week’s Monday Movie Meme. In honor of Women’s History Month, I’m remixing the Ninja Captain’s blog fest instructions for a spotlight on lady directors – in a countdown of my Top Ten Movies Directed by Women – at least, the ones that I can remember.
Some of the films on this list do not make up a comprehensive representation of my ultimate favorite movies.
What they do have in common, however, is the fact that they meet both of the following criteria: I would watch them again and I would recommend that they be watched at least once. So, the theme for this week’s Monday Movie Meme is inspired by my fellow A to Z Co-Host’s blogfest as well as Women’s History Month: Top Ten Movie Countdown - Girl Power Edition!
Share on your blog or in the comments section, your top ten favorite movies directed by women that you can think of at this moment. Also link back to this post and visit the blogs of fellow Monday Movie Meme and/or Top Ten Movie Blogfest participants.
Here are my selections – in no particular order -- for this week’s Top Ten Movie Countdown – Girl Power Edition! theme.
10. Born into Brothels
The children of Kolkata’s (or Calcutta) prostitutes learn how to use cameras and tell stories about their surroundings through art in this Oscar-winning documentary, directed by Zana Briski.
9. My Tehran for Sale
An aspiring actress is forced to lead a double life due to her country’s ban on the arts in this Australian-Iranian film directed by Granaz Moussavi. Actress Marzieh Vafamehr was arrested and sentenced to one year and 90 lashes in Iran, for appearing in “My Tehran for Sale” without a hijab.
Although she was eventually released – not without appeals from Amnesty International and the movie’s producers, there is something to be said about a person who literally risked her life to make art and aid in the freedom of expression.
8. Middle of Nowhere
A young woman’s life is turned upside down when her husband’s prison sentence creates a rough future that she didn’t ask for in this Sundance Film Festival-winning drama, directed by Ava DuVernay.
7. Player Hating: A Love Story
As he prepares for the launch of his album, Brooklyn-based rapper Half-A-Mill introduces viewers to an environment that many people would like to deny even exists in this documentary directed by Maggie Hadleigh-West. Maggie went through a heck of a time to make this movie. Hats off to her! Expect my long overdue interview with this director to be posted here soon.
6. Humpday
Two heterosexual male friends embark on making a gay porno in this comedy, directed by Lynn Shelton. What started as a drunken dare at one late night party gets serious enough to almost ruin one guy’s marriage. It also motivates both friends to question their state of overall happiness and where they fall on the quality-of-life scale. I wanted to see this movie so bad when it was showing at Rooftop Films Summer Series a few years ago – particularly because the film’s star Mark Duplass was in attendance. He is also a filmmaker and has made some funny movies himself.
Duplass aside, can you guess what’s so inappropriately awesome about “Humpday?” I especially like how at first glance, you’d have the impression that a man directed this movie. If I showed the poster and movie trailer to five random people on the street and asked them to guess the director’s gender, I’d be willing to bet my $5 IndieGoGo perk that most, if not all of them go the testosterone route.
5. Our Rhineland
Two sisters are faced with making the toughest choices of their lives in this short film, directed by Faren Humes. It is a beautifully shot and well-crafted story about an ugly part of history – the sterilization of mixed-race women. WATCH IT.
4. Just Another Girl on the I.R.T.
An around-the-way girl dates an older guy (I think…haven’t watched it since grade school) and all hell breaks loose in this movie, about teenage pregnancy, directed by Leslie Harris.
3. August Rush
A runaway orphan follows music wherever he can find it, hoping that doing so will lead him to his parents, in this drama directed by Kristen Sheridan. Despite this movie being as cliché as they come, I think it’s cute and have a soft spot for Kerri Russell, ever since “Felicity” graced the tube. I can still recall the day I went to see “August Rush” at The Roxy, a small movie theater that was independently owned until one of the local arts organizations bought it in 2012 – my bad to digress…
2.Too Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
Who knew that Patrick Swayze could parlay a wardrobe of dresses and high heels into a Golden Globe nomination?! If you don’t know, now you know – this road trip comedy about drag queens, directed by Beeban Kidron, is one of my all-time favorite movies…I mean, ever!!! I could not only watch this flick multiple times but would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of some afternoon laughs.
1. The Leesburg 33
This documentary, directed by Shari Thompson, is about the 33 teenage girls who were locked in an abandoned military stockade in Georgia, for protesting during the Civil Rights Movement. Adding “The Leesburg 33” film to this week’s Monday Movie Meme/ Top Ten Countdown list almost has me in tears – frankly because it seems like it was just yesterday – well, more like five minutes ago that I watched this movie.
I only saw it once, yet, experience the same thoughts and emotions when the movie comes to mind – not because of the subject that it touches on, which includes racism and the illegal incarceration and abuse of minors.
To this day, I may not remember most of the details of what the girls endured during those six weeks that they were held – but I do remember something that one of them said in a scene when asked if she was angry when looking back, now as an adult, on what happened: “No human gain is every made without somebody sacrificing!” For many reasons, some that I might not even be able to explain, “The Leesburg 33” is one of the films that sticks to me – one that I will likely hold dear for the rest of my days on this earth.
What are YOUR Top Ten Movies directed by Women?
Reader Comments (21)
Incredibly interesting list!
August Rush is the only one I have seen on your list, which means I need to get busy and watch those others. Great list! :)
Nice way to approach this fest.
I have not seen a one of these films. Offhand I can't think of many films directed by women, but I do like the work that Julie Taymor has done.
Trying to think of one - I know Penny Marshall has directed a few. Big? Did she direct that one?
I actually look at Hump Day and think girl, but maybe that's because the background's pink and there are two naked men, LOL! The Leesburg 33 sounds like an fascinating, but wrenching movie to watch. It has been entirely too long since I saw Too Wong Foo. We had it at the theater I worked in back in the day, and I would sit in there on my lunch breaks every day while we had it. Patrick Swayze even pulled off drag with utmost dignity. And Snipes and Leguizamo were such a kick.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse
I've only seen two of those films.
Kathryn Bigelow directed a vampire flick called Near Dark that was really cool.
Thanks for participating in my blogfest!
I'm impressed that your lists includes lesser-known films of social relevance. There are so many that deserve more recognition.
Thanks for stopping by. Have a great week.
No love for Kathryn Bigelow? She's the one director who jumps to mind with her movies The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, and Point Break. She's an awesome talent, and I can't wait to see what she does in the future!
What a great list. I'm very ashamed to say that about six or seven of those I've never even heard of. You have accomplished part one of your goal by that I am sure. Now if only we watch them. I will try to find some of them!
We watch completely different movies. Interesting list.
Rhonda
Laugh-Quotes.com
I found a list on IMDb which I thought might interest you. Here is the link: http://www.imdb.com/list/kHM6l9TtKQg/
I thought your list was excellent and enjoyed the list on IMDb as well. I usually go there when I want reliable movie information, because I am a compete movie freak! Have a super day! jean
Hey Nicole, Great list. I have some movies to catch up on. Thanks for the suggestions.
I loved August Rush! All these movies on your list look so intriguing. I'll have to check them out
Nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Nicole this is a very important list. There aren't enough women directing and producing films these day. Great job
August Rush is an awesome movie! Great list!
Tami,
Thanks...the hope that it's an interesting enough list to convince you to check 'em out.
David P. King,
One down, nine to go! August Rush was a good starting point. I see a very busy Netflix month in store for you. Thanks for visiting.
Arlee,
We both learned something today, 'cause I don't think I have any idea who Julie Taymor is but am curious now that you mention her. To be honest, most people probably can't name more than one or two women directors...something that this list might change and if it does, then I've done well in my participation in this blogfest. I've watched movies directed by dozens of women and have also read about several more in books and magazines...yet when it came time to list my top ten, I had a difficult time coming up with the names of more than five women directors, off hand...and THAT is something that is still hard to believe and goes to show that our culture and the media does not celebrate us as often as they do our male counterparts. I don't, however, think that's entirely the media's fault; we have to make sure that our films get attention.
L. Diane Wolfe,
Penny Marshall is a fairly known director but offhand, I wouldn't be able to tell you if she directed "Big" or not...give me a minute to ask Master Google...ahh, YES, she did direct "Big."
Shannon,
I can understand where you're coming from on all of those points...so I suppose it's all about where the viewer's head is at when looking at the poster, lol. Working at a movie theater must have been a treat for you! I applied for a projectionist job at one of the Ritz theaters...didn't get hire tho. I wish Leesburg 33 was more widely available for people to watch on DVD or VOD or had more showtimes on television. It is definitely worth watching, even if only once.
Alex,
Did she really? I wouldn't expect that, what with all of her work on action and war dramas and all. Katheryn Bigelow and vampires...what a mixture. It's been a pleasure to participate in your blogfest, as it gave me an opportunity to do some good and celebrate women working in film.
Robyn,
Thank you for sharing in the thought that many movies are about more than quick laughs, screams and/or popcorn. The bad news is those tons of films that are deserving of recognition may not ever see the light of day. The good news, however, is every little bit of attention that we can bring to the ones that we come across makes it easier for people to start being mindful that they exist, which helps a great deal in the long run.
Herman,
Nothing against Katheryn Bigelow; I just haven't watched any of her films, so she wasn't considered because of that factor...the same reason that work from directors such as Darnell Martin and Sophia Coppola are not on this list, despite me liking them. All of the films on this list are movies that I've watched...some, multiple times. I've heard good things about The Hurt Locker and plan on checking it out but I'm still on the fence about Zero Dark Thirty. There is a part of me that thinks it was unecessary to make. I look forward to watching The Hurt Locker tho :)
Rhonda,
That's the thing about movies...there's a different flavor available for amost anybody and everyone. What kind of movies do you watch? There might be some that I've either seen or would like to check out :)
Jean,
Movie freaks rejoice! I like that name you call yourself, lol. Yeah, IMDB is helpful when looking up titles and things of that nature. Maybe my blog can now also be an additional resource for you when you're looking for movies to watch. Thanks for visiting and have a fantastic weekend!
Sydney,
Thank you...I appreciate your comment and hope that you enjoy these movies when you catch up on them :)
Nutschell,
Yes indeed...August had me thinking about wanting to have a little musical prodigy myself...almost! LOL. Thanks for visiting and let me know what you think about the movies on this list if you get around to checking them out!
Maurice,
Thanks a bunch for showing some love for this list! The women directors are out and about...they just aren't getting the spotlight as much, which results in the masses not even knowing about their work. Hopefully, we can change that and this list is a start. Thank you again :)
Ashley,
Yep...I think August is probably the only one...or one of very few that people recognize. Thanks for visiting :)
I haven't seen any of these movies... I'll have to check them out.
Hugs!
Valerie Nunez and the Flying Platypi
Man, do I feel out of the movie loop. I have not seen any of the movies on your list.
I am making the rounds and introducing myself to all of the A to Z blogging challenge helpers. I have been on a self imposed blogging hiatus ( a few of my favorite agents have requested my manuscript so I've been working non stop), but I will be back next Monday, ready for A-to Z and I will visit your blog then.
I've only seen ONE of the movies you listed. Guess I have some work do to!
HAPPY A TO Z!
Ready to go with EIGHT blogs in the April A-Z Challenge! Mine are 475 - 483 on the A-Z list.
Two of these blogs (Simply Snickers and The Meme Express) will offer DAILY writing/blogging prompts and A-Z words throughout the month of April. The Meme Express welcomes A-Zers to leave daily comments, linking back to their alphabetic posts.
Thanks for helping with the hosting of the A to Z Challenge! Here we go-o-o-o!
I haven't seen a lot of your movies but they sound amazing and full of social conscience. I'll definitely be adding them to my "to watch" list.
I loved August Rush. What a wonderful movie that was - and a bit of a surprise, really.