Are there any films that would appeal to 12yr old boy that show 'real' relationships and positive women role models?

[Izpie]

This post is on my sisters behalf - she's just watched the film Transformers with her boys where apparently the only women are tarts or bitches and shout 'bitch' at each other when fighting, the men obviously don't call each other bastard or cock etc. She really wants to provide some balance to their viewing and find some alternative films that her boys (10 and 12) would not balk at the thought of watching. Films that are a good model for caring interaction between people and where the women aren't all evil witches, helpless damsels or sexed up vixens.
They don't watch anything above PG. Not sure Hollywood produces anything like this though.....

Harry Potter?

Was it Transformers 3? There was only really one main female character in it, and although not a great representation, she was not a 'tart' or a 'bitch'.

I second Harry Potter. Not sure what else is out at the moment.

Bridge to Terabithia
The lead girl character is great. Stands up for herself, not afraid to be different, caring.

Spiderwick Chronicles

Thanks for your replies - I think they've seen the Harry Potter films but I hadn't heard of the Bridge to Terabithia or the Spiderwick Chronicles, will let my sister know.

You might get more ideas if you post in the feminism topic.

Have no suggestions but good for your sister!! Have lovely 10yr old daughter maybe we can create a love match in 20 yrs or so??? lol

Most James Cameron films have strong female role models but they might be a wee bit violent and adult for a 12 year old? I was thinking of Terminator 2 and the Abyss in particular.

What about Stardust? There were some good women in that. Also Studio Ghibli films are great - Howl's Moving Castle or Spirited Away?

The original Star Wars films.

Akeelah and the Bee

Oh lord yes and Stardust, fab film

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Nim's Island

A Series of Unfortunate Events/Lemny Snicket has two lead characters who are children (brother & sister); the sister is smart & pratical & the brother is 'book' smart & has a very good memory.
Phobe Cates is quite 'strong' in Gremlins, think it might be a 15 (I know the second film is only a PG).
Return to Oz? Might be scary for a 10 year old (she says as a 23yr old still terrified by the evil witch lady).
Any of the 'feelgood' family movies like My Dog Skip, Babe, Charlottes Web etc with great relationships between animal & human?
Would the 12 year old be interested in ww2 films/b&w films like Carve Her Name With Pride?
Going on what Elephants said; My Neighbour Totoro has a very strong female lead.

Not one for just yet but if they get onto more violent films etc the main heroic character in Kick-Ass is a girl who is a martial arts expert/assassin who rocked my socks off. She was so cool and I'm a lot older than 12.

Labyrinth is good, and I like Mirrormask as well which was made by some of the same people.

Loved the girl in Series fo Unfortunate Events as well - the way she determinedly ties up her hair when she's inventing :)

Agree with Bridge to Terabithia. Also, Whale Rider and Rabbit-Proof Fence.

Must add, having just seen it, that Harry potter features a range of good women: hermione, prof mcgonagall, and mrs weasley for instance.

Not quite so strong on female roles, but just fantastic on real boys, friendship, loyalty, and a hilarious film generally Son of Rambow

I agree with the Studio Ghibli idea, but would just comment that they are aimed at a range of ages - My Neighbour Totoro, for example, is really aimed at under 8s, I think. Boys of 10 & 12 could prefer Princess Mononoke, or Nausicaa.

calamitry jane

Whale rider is a lovely story of a girl who is destined to take over from her grandfather as the head of their Maori tribe (NZ film), despite his reluctance and lack of support - also amazing human/animal links - very nice stuff.