I need the names of some movies with women in major roles

[Chimera]

Specifically, three types of roles:

1. Weak, emotional character that's primarily present to flesh-out the male main character and give him a love interest (despite having a lot of screen time)

2. "Equal" in characterization, importance, and believability to the male main character (or co-star)

3. Strong (willed/physically), independent, and either the main character of the movie or the most important one

I have to write an essay about a subject in American history that's dealt with in three different films. After watching Sulliven's Travels, I was reminded of how much I dislike the vapid, weak female characters of the earlier 20th century. So, I think I'm going to write it on the role of women characters in cinema from the 1940's/50's to present day. Thus, the above request. Can someone help me out?

[DR.MID-NITE]

Ripley(Sigourney Weaver) in the Alien movies for the "Strong" role.

Princess Leia(Carrie Fisher) in the original movies for the "equal" role.

The weak role...take your pick. Most movies use this.

[Vyse]

I think one character that could be both strong and weak is Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) in the first 2 Terminator films. While most people would consider her "equal" throughout those two movies, I believe in the first Terminator, she was a weak character and serve mainly as a love interest for the human after Arnold. In T2, her decisions help shaped the future and was on par with the robot killing machine.

[Patrick Bateman]

I'd also recommend Underworld. Kate Beckinsale was a fantastic hero lead.

[GL2k2]

Uhhhh, yeah if you're looking for comic book females that look like they were drawn and written by fanboys, the aforementioned will suffice.

Do yourself a favor, and check out Elizabeth Taylor's character in Giant.

[Patrick Bateman]

Uhhhh, yeah if you're looking for comic book females that look like they were drawn and written by fanboys, the aforementioned will suffice.

Do yourself a favor, and check out Elizabeth Taylor's character in Giant.

"1. Weak, emotional character that's primarily present to flesh-out the male main character and give him a love interest (despite having a lot of screen time)

2. "Equal" in characterization, importance, and believability to the male main character (or co-star)

3. Strong (willed/physically), independent, and either the main character of the movie or the most important one"

Umm, I think my choice fits each of those categories, quite well to be honest, so the condescending response wasn't at all necessary. Pardon my feeling a little insulted.

[GL2k2]

"1. Weak, emotional character that's primarily present to flesh-out the male main character and give him a love interest (despite having a lot of screen time)

2. "Equal" in characterization, importance, and believability to the male main character (or co-star)

3. Strong (willed/physically), independent, and either the main character of the movie or the most important one"

Umm, I think my choice fits each of those categories, quite well to be honest, so the condescending response wasn't at all necessary. Pardon my feeling a little insulted.

I was referring to all of the aforementioned.

[Chimera]

Thanks for the help so far, but I need movies that take place at some point in American history. They don't have to be really believable, but they need to have some grounding in reality. AKA no vampires or aliens.

I've heard G.I.Jane has a strong femal role. But, I've also heard that it's not a very good movie. Should I check it out?

[Sigma]

Strong - Kaji Meiko (Lady Snowblood) & Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)
Equal - Carrie Fisher (Star Wars)

[Patrick Bateman]

I was referring to all of the aforementioned.

Knowing that, I apologize.

Anyhow, for more down-to-earth strong female roles, I'd recommend just about any role played by Kathryn Hepbern (sp?)

[Vyse]

If you want strong-willed characters that are more of our reality, go rent Thelma & Louise.

[Storm]

I know I'm really late but Sarah Michelle Gellar in "Cruel Intentions." She was both equal and strong as Katherine. Really good movie.


- Storm