a question from my daughter aged 12

GEena Davies has an organisation for women in film, see what they have?

There aren't a lot of conversations between women in Erin Brokovich, although it does pass the Bechdel test. She speaks to some of the women affected by the pollution, she has a couple of rows with the other female lawyer and the women who work in the law office about the way she dresses, but a lot of the characters in it are men.

Talking of Sandra Bullock, The Heat passes the test as well - as I would say most Melissa McCarthy movies do?

Jodie Foster has done some excellent films, although maybe not for a 12 year old - The Accused is hard viewing, but very powerful. Panic Room.

What about Erin Brokovich?

Susan Sarandan is coming up a lot.

Also - Gravity.

For all that she began as a romcom star, Sandra Bullock is pretty serious about promoting women in movies. See also Jodie Foster for film stars who are trying to change the industry.

Aliens? (Newt & Ripley)

I loved Cagney and Lacey as a teenager. I actually suspect it would feel more progressive than a lot of the shit we have to put up with these days.

Moana was refreshing - and she and her grandmother have lots of talks together about how to save the world. Brave - conversations between Merrida and her mother, and with the witch.

Must get a babysitter so I can escape and see Hidden Figures.

TV is better because it's cheaper to take risks, it is also episodic so tweaks can be made if required.

Actually, the whole detective genre, although riddled with stereotypes, does pretty well. The focus is on the mystery, not romance, and there are several female detectives such as Miss Marple or other pairs (wasn't Rosemary & Thyme or something one) which have worked well.

Gone with the wind

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe

Colour Purple

I remember watching Stepmom when I was home sick one day. at first I thought it was a typical romcom, but trying to be a bit 'edgy' by being about a second marriage. Then it gradually develops so that it's more about the women and their roles. It has some stereotypes about the whole 'women are mothers and that defines them' but it also deals with some hard facts. If I remember right, (SPOILER ALERT) Julia Roberts loses her job because she has to look after the kids and can't put in the hours needed at work. That's so true, and something that the whole 'lean in' philosophy just doesn't deal with.

I haven't watched it in years, but does Cagney & Lacey count?

It's probably horribly dated, but if I recall the single one enjoys a full sex life with no guilt, and the married one has all the usual stress of having kids and a full-on job, but her husband actually does as much with the kids as her because you have to if your wife's a cop. Plus,, they're 2 women working in a tough environment who take no shit.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=QIJRim7z8s0

This is the scene I'm talking about.

The Hunger Games!

Katniss has scenes with: her mum, Prim, Rue, Effie, Coin, Johanna, Mags and Cressida, and they're only rarely talking about men. I'm sure there's more I've forgotten. There's one scene in the fourth movie where it is all women discussing battle tactics, and it is brilliant, but then they wreck it by having a bloke come up with the answer they go with. So close! But overall, the movies are the biggest Bechdel test pass I've seen in a long time.

Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? !!!!

Well Ghostbusters (2016 version) of course, certainly not the original.

But they are few and far between. Faith, yes Rogue One only just squeaks through the Bechdel test - and the lack of speaking (and non-speaking) parts played by women compares very unfavourably with The Force Awakens.

Another non film - Buffy was my teenage icon, the outfits have dated dreadfully which is half the fun, also the Gilmore Girls.

Why is tv so much better at this than films?

Bridesmaids

The Devil wears Prada, strangely enough.

Thelma and Louise

Sorry, meant strong male characters, not role models

Rizzoli & Isles is brilliant & loved by both our dc, ds(15) & dd(12). It's one programme (although a bit gruesome in places, murder storylines) that I have felt completely at ease with them watching from a femininist pov. Strong male role models too but the central characters are 2 strong, independent women.

Practical Magic. An entire film where 2 independent women talk to each other and have no need for men

In fact that other one with Susan Sarandon where they drive off a cliff?