a question from my daughter aged 12

[Janx]

Can you think of any films where two women are having conversations that are not about men?

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.

Aliens? (Newt & Ripley)

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.

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?

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?

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

Fried Green Tomatoes?

Beaches. The Craft. Thelma and Louise.

The Heat.

Alien: Ripley and Lambert (talking about the monster)

Not sure if it's been said, but Ghost World (excellent mid to late teen film - all rebellion and being an outsider and growing pains)

Into the forest.

Oh god - the Heat!!! How could I have forgotten that one. Thanks for the reminder Dozer. (Now, how do I carve out an hour and a half with the DVD? )

We Are The Best! - swedish film about a bunch of 13 y/o girls who start a punk band. It's 15 rated, but I think only because of (admittedly a lot of) swearing.

Bad film, but think mama mia passes the bechdel test.

Mary poppins, especially for the scene with the suffragette song!

Annie.

For DC, the Secret Garden with maggie smith as the housekeeper.

Juno.

Dont the women in the film have to be unrelated to pass the test? So katniss talking to her mother and sister doesnt count - although her other conversations do.

Don't think so, mines.

Legally blonde? I'm not sure is it passed bechdale but it and the squeal are fabulously feminist. Being true to yourself while doing new and hard things

Steel Magnolias. Lots of conversations about various things. The main storyline is about a group of women of varying ages looking after each other through different stages of life. The men are featured in a smaller way and less relevant.

I think legally blonde might pass: includes conversations between the lead character and various others about study/career matters, and between her and a female accusee.

Yes, it does - not to mention Elle's announcement that she stopped Cameron Diaz buying a heinous sweater (although that is said to a group made up of mainly men and one woman).

I thought in Steel Magnolias most of the conversations are about men? I must watch it again.

There are quite a lot about things like business too, and one character's health.