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We begin with a look at one of those said real-life figures, whose story was told in the historical drama, Frida (2002).

Based on the life of acclaimed Mexican surrealist artist Frida Kahlo (whom quite a few books can be found on her works in the Library, if you find the urge to learn more), it was adapted from the 1983 book, Frida: A Biography of Frida Kahlo. Kahlo herself is played Salma Hayek (Oscar-nominated for the role in fact), who gives a grounded and powerful performance of one of the most influential female figures of the 20th century. The artist was explicitly known for her self-portraits and portraits, inspired by both the nature and artefacts of Mexico, she is highly regarded as one of the greatest female artists of all time and an icon of the feminist movement.

The film begins with Frida aged 18, in 1922, and chronicles her life up until a few months before her untimely death in 1954. When Frida is involved in a road collision while on a bus, she suffers horrendous injuries to her pelvis, spine and right leg among other things. Consumed by terrible pain, which impacts the rest of her life; Frida decides to soothe it by returning to her favourite pastime from when she was younger, Art. The film then chronicles her adult life, including her marriage to Diego Rivera, affairs on both sides and Kahlo’s first exhibitions in America. Though the climax of the film symbolises her biggest moment in the art world, her works remained pretty much unknown to the wider world until the late 70s, however. The film was given mildly positive reviews by critics, who felt it told the story well yet merely touched the surface and could’ve gone deeper in its portrayal of Frida and her short but incredible life. Frida is available for loan now only on DVD in the Library. Click the link below to view one of the more upbeat scenes in the film:

From Mexico to England, for our 2nd entry we take a look at the small independent British film, Happy-Go-Lucky (2008).

Directed by Mike Leigh, it features Sally Hawkins as Pauline “Poppy” Cross, who is perfectly described by the films title. Poppy is 30-year-old, cheery and optimistic primary school teacher in London., who loves life and everything it has to offer. The story focuses on her relationships with those around and how she influences them and vice-versa. After Chloe meets a moody driving instructor who happens to be the polar opposite of herself, her joyful outlook on life is tested, as she fights to win him over.

Though a film that flew quite under the radar, Happy-Go-Lucky won plenty of awards and received high acclaim from critics upon its released. It is most certainly a hidden gem, unseen by most, yet is a beautiful inspiration to young women everywhere on how to look at life and interact with other people in an increasingly unknown world. Furthermore, despite not being about a real-life person, this film is still a realistic as the others; as Time Out London says, “It’s a funny film…and crucially it aches with truth.” Happy-Go-Lucky is available for loan now only on DVD in the Library. Click the link below to view the trailer for this hilarious film:

From modern England to 1960s America, we travel to a period of history that proved particularly difficult for women of a certain colour, as shown in The Help (2011).

Based on Katherine Stockett’s 2009 book of the same name, it recounts the story of journalist Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (played by the brilliant Emma Stone), and her relationship with two black maids in 1963. Eugenia, a recent University graduate living on her parent’s plantation, decides to write a book upon learning that the family’s maid Constantine (who had raised her from birth) had been fired. She focuses on the point of view of African American maids working for white families, uncovering the racism and hardships they face, in an attempt to be seen as a legitimate writer and become a journalist. The two main maids she befriends and writes about are: Aibileen Clark (Viola Davis, The Suicide Squad) and Minerva “Minny” Jackson (Octavia Spencer, Hidden Figures), both of whom work for friends of Eugenia respectively.

The film follows Skeeter as she observes Aibileen and Minny’s treatment from the families they work for and their friends, while trying to speak up on their and other maid’s behalf’s.  Heartfelt, funny and faithful, this is an incredibly emotional watch but nonetheless must-see. While maids are mostly a thing of the past, racism is most certainly not and this film perfectly sheds a light on it’s a historic nature, while giving a glimpse at some of the few instances where black women were treated with a little kindness at times by some. Praise was heaped on the acting, with Spencer the recipient of a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, even being one of three women nominated for Oscar for their involvement in this feature. It received mostly positive reviews, however there were some negative due the film (unlike the book) focusing on a white character. It was seen as promoting a white saviour narrative, yet it brings plenty of inspiration to women in standing up to racism and exposing it. The Help is available for loan now (as in the book the motion picture is based) only on DVD in the Library. View the opening scene by clicking the link below:

For our final entry of the month, we travel even further back, back to one of the most crucial times in British history for women’s rights, in the sleeper hit Suffragette (2015). As identified by its title, this is a historical drama about the world-famous Suffragette movement, a campaign to get women the right to vote in the UK elections spearheaded by Emmeline Pankhurst (played by the incredible Meryl Streep). Though inspired by real events, the film is told from the perspective of a fictional character, Maud Watts (though there was a real-life Suffragette called Maud) played by Carey Mulligan.

Maud, a 24-year-old laundry worker, is ingulfed in the events surrounding the movement and drawn to join the cause. Her involvement begins when she is caught up in a protest outside her workplace. After learning that a vote for women is not to be extended, she joins another protest, but this time is arrested and jailed for a week. It is in jail that she meets Emily Davison (real-life confidante of Pankhurst), and that is where her journey into suffrage truly begins. Despite facing disgrace from colleagues and neighbours (as many suffrage members did), Maud begins to become more and more engrossed in the Suffragette movement, in spite of what she stands to lose. Maud may not have been real, but her experiences certainly were extremely authenticating of what the Suffragettes faced because of their believes and what made them inspirations for generations to come. With a supporting cast that includes Helena Bonham Carter, Brendan Gleeson, Anne-Marie Duff & Ben Wishaw; Suffragette received very positive reviews, despite its limited release. You can watch it anytime, anywhere only on Planet e-stream through the library. Watch the moment Maud is inspired to join the cause by clicking the link below:

Not sure how to access e-stream? Then simply click on the link below…