Nice films to watch with female friends in 2021
During the quarantine, I have some time to catch up on some good films. I mostly enjoy sci-fi and fantasy with rich worldviews and inspiring philosophical thoughts. I have become a big fan of Star Wars since I’ve finished the Star Wars series in the past month. In my recommendations below, I intend to explain my personal perspective and give a brief overview of the film without spoilers.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
While the visuals and costumes of the film are astonishing like any other of Tim Burton’s films, I have a better understanding towards the story itself. As a child, I didn’t understand the story and thought it was strange and boring. Now I understand, the purpose of the story is in her journey to the “underground”, or “belly of the whales’’. When Alice was cornered and didn’t know how to turn away from her arranged marriage, she dropped into the underground, where the rules are different from her previous reality. The moment she fell through the rabbit hole, it was the death of her old ego. She changed into big and small and met her new friends and fought her inner fears. Eventually, when she got out of the underground, she had transcended herself and became a brave woman who could trust her own intuition and make her own decisions.
Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi (2017)
While the new Star Wars series didn’t get much positive feedback from Star Wars fans, I found them have inspired me in a different way. We still have a rich world, big scenes, strange creatures, and robots. However, the relationship between the good and dark sides has shifted. If you remember the old Jedi way, to become a Jedi, you needed to search for feelings, let go of anger, conquer your fear, and especially avoid the darkside. In the new Star Wars series, the old Jedi way has disappeared, followed by our new hero Rey, being a female. Our female protagonist Rey was told to be like the Jedi of old, but she didn’t shun away from the darkside and made her own way.
The female protagonist demonstrates strength and determination. Maybe, it seems difficult to relate to her overwhelming power but it is still fun to watch with friends.
Artificial Intelligent (2001)
This will make you want to grab a bottle of wine and cry for the whole evening. I’m a big fan of Steven Spielberg. His film is imaginative and emotional. Artificial Intelligent is his top-quality work. I do not foresee any other films that can capture intense feelings and captivating journey in 20 years. You can write to me if you disagree.
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
Dr. Caligari is a mad scientist who awakened a dead body to commit murders. It’s interesting to immerse myself in the imagination of the 1920s, but the story will be hard to follow if you don’t read a little bit about the concept beforehand. There are some texts in between scenes to help you follow what’s happening. I mostly enjoy the visual style of the film. It is very surreal. Every scene changes colours to match the feelings. I love how expressive all the actors/actresses performances are.
Oh, this film is a silent film. So grab your flatmates or best friends while watching it. You can have a good conversation about anything.
Léon: the Professional (1994)
Léon: the Professional is the best film I’ve ever seen in my life. The story is about a hitman man in his 30s, named Leon and a 12-year-old girl. It’s a love story and a revenge story but not cliched at all. I felt the intense love and true connection between the protagonists. Leon is charismatic. Mathilda’s wish is strong, and their love eventually manifests itself in an original way.
Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
This film impressed me with rich symbolism and unique storytelling. During the War in Spain around 1940, the female protagonist created her own fantasy world that can provide her hope. The two storylines occurred in separate worlds: the real world and the fantasy world. They happened simultaneously and enriched each other. It is through the view of the female protagonist that , we can have a careful examination of how her reality and her fantasy entangled. The story is filled with creatures from Greek mythology and religious symbols for you to dive in. For me, the clock is an important symbol. Pay attention to it if you watch it. Warning: the film is very very dark! Not for children.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
Aliens are pretty. It’s enjoyable to watch. Watch out for a huge lemon!
Do not watch!
To finish the review, I will write some films that you should avoid. I’m not suggesting that they are bad films, but I think there are better ways to spend your time.
Soul (2020)
This film is a major hit that addressed issues of the existential crisis in our modern society. Yet, I think it failed due to its lack of depth and research. There are interesting ideas here and there about enjoying small things in life and following passions. But these aren’t really new ideas anymore. The blue blobs look like they took two hours to design. The story took maybe two weeks. The world is completely made up, not based on any specific ancient belief, which is completely fine if the construction has coherent reasons and ideology. But it doesn’t. By the end I have no idea why this world exists and what “soul” truly means. Nonetheless, if you recently find life distasteful, it can be a gentle remedy for your soul.
Star Wars: Episode VIII — Attack of the Clones (2002)
Attack of the Clones changed the Star Wars classic setting. The story happened in the city instead of outer space. But I’m here to see space adventures. I’m not here to watch car chases, political talks, and love stories. Believe it or not, this was the first Star Wars film I watched, with my little cousin. At the time, I didn’t like Star Wars. If you have read my review, please do not begin the Star Wars series with this film.
