Most moviegoers can point to their favorite actress on screen, but some of cinema’s most talented leading ladies stay behind the camera, in the director’s chair. From gritty war movies and tales of desperation to animated autobiographies and Bollywood musicals, here’s a look at a small handful of the best films directed by women.
“Monsoon Wedding”
Mira Nair’s colorful comedy-drama is a love letter to the whimsy, romance, and exuberance of Bollywood. The film follows the lives of two modern young adults thrust into the ancient tradition of arranged marriage — along with all the melodrama, intrigue, and dirty secrets that would come along with such a situation. The film garnered praise for telling an emotional, deeply human story about the balance between cultural traditions and choosing one’s own path. Roger Ebert calls it “The kind of film where you meet characters you have never been within 10,000 miles of, and feel like you know them at once.”
“Winter’s Bone”
This bleak tale, directed by Debra Granik, tells the story of Ree Dolly, a 17-year-old girl struggling to serve as a surrogate parent for her two younger siblings. At the same time, she holds down the fort for her mentally and emotionally absent mother, while also searching for her missing father. Despite crushing poverty and the immense amount of pressure she’s under, Ree’s courage can be an inspiration to any viewer.
“The Hurt Locker”
While “The Hurt Locker” may be classified as an action movie, it’s far from your average guns-a-blazing summer blockbuster. Instead, director Kathryn Bigelow takes us on a psychological journey into the mind of an American soldier who serves as a bomb-defusing specialist in Iraq. Bigelow’s masterful direction doesn't rely on cheap tricks to build tension and provide thrills — it earns those heart-pounding moments through intelligent pacing, artful cinematography, and the handling of her cast’s talents.
“Persepolis”
While “Persepolis” is an animated film, it’s far from child’s play. This autobiographical film was directed by Iranian expatriate Marjane Satrapi, who recounts her childhood and adolescence under the rule of a repressive dictatorship. She explores how her family’s progressive values stood in sharp contrast to the values imposed by the nation’s leader, as well as her struggle to find her place in the world after moving to Europe. If you enjoy the movie, check out Satrapi’s graphic novel upon which the film was based.
“The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”
In this touching documentary, filmmaker Judy Irving follows the plight of naturalized wild parrots living in the Telegraph Hill neighborhood of San Francisco. She explores how these tropical birds fare against everything from predatory hawks, city ordinances, and their own social hierarchies. But the real heart of the film is the relationship the parrots have with homeless musician Mark Bittner, who found meaning in caring for and advocating on behalf of his feathered friends. In addition to creating this acclaimed documentary, Irving went on to found Pelican Media, a non-profit organization that funds environmentally focused films — so if you enjoy this one, there’s more in store for you.
“Pick of the Litter”
Looking for a movie that you can share with your little ones? Check out “Pick of the Litter”, co-directed by documentarian Dana Nachman. Your family will enjoy plenty of cute, funny, heartwarming, and educational moments as a litter of five puppies train to be service dogs for the blind. The movie even takes a reality-show-like approach, complete with spirited competition, to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Want more ideas for your next movie night? Check out sites like RottenTomatoes and IMDb for more recommendations on great films directed by women.