Warrior Women in the entertainment business

 

In the male-dominated society of our ancestors, few women emerged as rulers or generals, or even warriors, although some did find a place in history. Nowadays, women are welcome into the military, and a recent decree subjects them to the draft. We’ve definitely come a long way in terms of equality.

But the entertainment world still resists the change. Superheroes are overwhelmingly male. In the Hollywood movies of the 1930s, all women wore dresses. Then during WWII, we saw a few women working in factories wearing pants.

The movements of the sixties brought us Barbarella but the first sci-fi or warrior women on the screen were more of an excuse for men to leer over semi-naked female bodies in action… and their fighting prowess seemed improbable at best.

Every beautiful actress wanted to be a Bond Girl.

In the 80s and 90s, came Charlie’s Angels - Xena Warrior Princess, and although still exploiting the female form, they portrayed strong, independent women, sometime in position of power, and they could fight for themselves, for others, and for justice.

Also of note, the ALIEN series with a kick-butt heroine, acted by Sigourney Weaver, and GI Jane (1997) with Demi Moore.

With this century came the rebirth of Battlestar Galactica with a female Starbuck. It was criticized at first, but I thoroughly enjoyed the switch. One of my favorite sci-fi series.

Then came a blue heroine in Avatar. A hunter and a warrior. More than capable, powerful, and also wise.

The most recent Star Wars movies have a strong female fighter in Rey. Star Trek, unfortunately, wasn't as kind to women. 

In Black Panther, the female warriors of Wakanda play an important role.

Also welcome to the big screen from comic books, Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel. They manage to remain sexy as they definitely kick butts.

Not to forget, Mulan from Walt Disney studios.

I hope many more warrior women appear on the big and small screens to inspire the generations to come.

In the meantime, check out the fierce heroines of Science Fiction in my novels.

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Happy Reading!

Vijaya Schartz, author

Strong Heroines, Brave Heroes, cats

http://www.vijayaschartz.com

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Looking forward to the Fall's sci-fi movies - by Vijaya Schartz

This summer we had Oblivion and Elysium. Loved them both, but preferred Elysium. Will Smith and Jaden Smith did a good job in After Earth. Star Trek, of course lived up to its fabulous fame. Iron Man 3 was better than the previous two. The Man of Steel didn't shake the earth.

I didn't bother to go see Pacific Rim. Big machines can be fun, but I'm more interested in deep characters and an intriguing believable plot. Never cared for RIDDICK, darkness, and more darkness, so I passed on that one. Also passed on GI Joe Retaliation. Will wait until it comes on TV. Don't care for zombies, so didn't bother with WORLD WAR Z. Maybe I'll catch it on cable.

Out this fall is GRAVITY.

A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space. (90 mins.)

Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Stars: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Ed Harris, Eric Michels

I'm really looking forward to this one. I love Clooney and Bullock. The trailer looks fantastic. I might even go see it in 3D.

Much is expected from:ENDER'S GAME

70 years after a horrific alien war, an unusually gifted child is sent to an advanced military school in space to prepare for a future invasion.

Director: Gavin Hood
Stars: Asa Butterfield, Abigail Breslin, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE

Releasing November 22, will be looking for it.
Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.

Director: Francis Lawrence
Stars: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Philip Seymour Hoffman

THOR, THE DARK WORLD




Gorgeous hero of Viking mythology. Yep, I'll be watching for it.
 
Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Director: Alan Taylor
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston, Anthony Hopkins

More science fiction movies are expected in 2014. And further out, a new Star Trek in 2015 and a new AVATAR in 2016. And if movies are not enough, you can always read sci-fi novels. Who knows, one day they may end up as movies as well. Find mine on the links below.

Vijaya Schartz
Blasters, Swords, Romance with a Kick
http://www.vijayaschartz.com

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