Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle

I recently saw a sneak preview of a period piece called Belle and was deeply inspired by the strong spirit of the lead character. Her courage and resilience during a life full of challenges made me think she was an amazing new cinematic role model to celebrate. She was a character that women, as well as men, need to see and discover life lessons for empowering their own lives and work.

Growing up at school I would be picked on and bullied because I was always the shortest and a visible minority among mostly white classmates. Thankfully I was able to make friends by being funny and sharing my funny drawings. So as I got older I empathized with movie characters like Belle who faced painful challenges as a visible minority.

Belle (2014)

The drama film, Belle, is about an illegitimate mixed-race heiress named Dido Elizabeth Belle (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) facing the challenges of living among 18th century London high society. Her story was inspired by the 1779 painting of Dido beside her cousin Lady Elizabeth Murray. Her character demonstrated amazing strength when dealing with racial discrimination and female discrimination of the times. See: movie trailer


"I have been blessed with freedom twice over, as a negro and as a woman."
Belle (2014)

Dido was also inspiring in how she clearly articulates her thoughts whenever she is confronted or challenged. She then shows great perseverance for making social change especially when challenging her primary caregiver William Murray (Tom Wilkinson), 1st Earl of Mansfield, the Lord Chief Justice. There are other aspects of the movie that are thought-provoking and features beautiful period costumes and a romantic story. I highly recommend seeing this powerful film.

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Supportive People
• Optimism
• Vision
• Courage
• Leadership
• Resilience
• Racial Respect

Mbatha-Raw gives a star-making performance and is already making strong impressions in the reviews I’ve read. I believe she has given us a strong new cinematic role model, for men and women, that can inspire each of us to seek out our inner strengths and stand firm in the face of adversities. Be inspired today by strong women in the movies that could mirror your own potential and abilities!

Related Tips:
Tip#754: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 1 - Belle 
Tip#860: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 2 - Spy 
Tip#929: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 3 - Aliens 
Tip#930: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 4 – Mary Kom 
Tip#968: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 5 - Erin Brockovich
Tip#1024: Strong Women in the Movies, Part 6 - Women’s March – Made in Dagenham
Tip#501: How Women in Movies Inspire a Leadership Mindset 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

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“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Resilience Expert & Speaker
Movies for Motivation Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2014

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous9:56 AM

    Hi Emmanuel – I will have to see this movie.

    I just watched The Butler and I was moved – not only by the story but by the humanness of each characters and the struggle within the family and how it took a lifetime to come around and understand the goodness is inbred – e.g. Louis.

    Wondering how you felt (sorry I went to the Butler movie but this review precipitated the thought).

    Thank you ~

    Catherine D.

    ReplyDelete