Detective Films Highlighting Women’s Rights

Description: Based on Alice Walker's novel, this film explores the life of Celie, an African American woman in the early 20th century, as she navigates through abuse, racism, and sexism, eventually finding empowerment.

Fact: Whoopi Goldberg made her film debut in this movie, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

Description: This film tackles the aftermath of a gang rape, focusing on the legal battle to prosecute not only the rapists but also the bystanders, highlighting the systemic issues of justice for women.

Fact: Jodie Foster won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in this film.

Description: While primarily a comedy, this film features an FBI agent going undercover in a beauty pageant to prevent a terrorist attack, subtly addressing issues of sexism and the objectification of women in society.

Fact: Sandra Bullock did her own stunts, including the famous fight scene in the pageant.

Description: Based on a true story, this film explores a landmark class action lawsuit against sexual harassment in a mining company, showcasing the struggle for women's rights in the workplace through the lens of a legal battle.

Fact: Charlize Theron gained weight and learned to ice skate for her role, reflecting the physical demands of the mining job.

Description: Based on true events, this film follows a Nebraska police officer who uncovers a human trafficking ring while working for the UN in post-war Bosnia, highlighting the exploitation of women and the fight for justice.

Fact: Rachel Weisz, who stars as the lead, also served as an executive producer for the film.

Description: This film follows Lisbeth Salander, a hacker with a dark past, as she teams up with a journalist to solve a decades-old disappearance. It delves into themes of abuse, misogyny, and the fight for personal justice, making it a poignant addition to this collection.

Fact: The film's Swedish title, "Män som hatar kvinnor," translates to "Men Who Hate Women," highlighting its focus on misogyny.

Description: A documentary that investigates the epidemic of rape within the US military, this film uses investigative journalism to expose the cover-ups and the fight for justice by the victims.

Fact: The film was instrumental in changing military policy regarding sexual assault.

Description: This film chronicles the early 20th-century fight for women's suffrage in the UK, focusing on the militant actions of the suffragettes, blending historical drama with elements of detective work as they uncover and confront societal injustices.

Fact: Meryl Streep plays Emmeline Pankhurst, a real-life leader of the suffragette movement, in a cameo role.

Description: This made-for-TV movie tells the true story of Francine Hughes, who set fire to her abusive husband's bed, sparking a national conversation about domestic violence and women's rights to self-defense.

Fact: Farrah Fawcett's performance in this film was critically acclaimed and helped redefine her career.

Description: Sally Field stars as Norma Rae, a factory worker who becomes a union organizer, fighting for workers' rights, which includes advocating for better conditions for women in the workplace.

Fact: Sally Field won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role.