Favorite female movie characters who aren't stereotyped roles

As kind of a a spinoff from the "The Women" thread, who are your favorite smart, strong, independent female movie characters who are neither badasses nor bimbos?

Just watched the Indian movie Dor (my review is under Most Recent Reviews for the time being). I gave this movie 5 stars even though it is something of a message movie. It doesn't take long to figure out which of the two female characters, Zeenat and Meera, is the strongest, but watch to find out if the weaker one finds strength, too. Both actresses are believable in their roles.

It is also a good introduction to Indian movies since it is 2.5 hrs long instead of the usual 3+ hrs, and has only one typical Bollywood dance so you get some of that flavor if you don't feel like watching people dancing to the whole soundtrack. (It of course has subtitles ;) ). The whole family can watch.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Headcheese on September 16, 2008 at 8:53am: Geena Davis's character in The Accidental Tourist with William Hurt. I love her character in that movie. She's great and quirky!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by spiderpig on September 16, 2008 at 10:17am: I would have to say Sally Field in most of the movies she's been in for example Places in the Heart, Norma Rae , Punchline, etc . She plays a "normal" woman in those movies, just trying to make the best out of the life that's been handed her.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by mercurio3 on September 20, 2008 at 1:08pm: agree! But lately she's only the "mom".; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by runnr1 on September 16, 2008 at 10:58am: charlize theron's character, josey aimes, in north country. she's very human. she trusts the wrong people, she makes stupid decisions, but she deals with what she's handed in the best way she can. she's both flawed and strong.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jessie on September 16, 2008 at 9:39pm: I have to agree with you, Josey was very believable. I liked how she was vulnerable and gullible while at the same time strong.
I might have a soft spot for that character because I too, believed a corporate leader was going to take care of me and later found out it was a foolish hope.
( I'm thinking of when she met the boss at the diner.... then the rest of the movie happens. )

I also like Kyra Sedgwick in The Closer.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by runnr1 on September 17, 2008 at 5:07pm: I might have a soft spot for that character because I too, believed a corporate leader was going to take care of me and later found out it was a foolish hope.

i can relate to this. *shakes fist at the cruel world* =); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Debra on September 16, 2008 at 7:10pm: Meryl Streep, she can do anything, "Devil Wears Prada", "Sophie's Choice" & too many more to list.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy on September 16, 2008 at 7:23pm: one word:

Ripley.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jumpspeed on September 16, 2008 at 7:31pm: Ripley was kinda badass; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy on September 16, 2008 at 9:25pm: ain't no KINDA to it.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by jumpspeed on September 17, 2008 at 2:44pm: Yeah, I think you missed my point. the question was other then badasses or bimbos.
But who can really say, one persons bimbo is another persons friday night.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Tommy on September 20, 2008 at 11:56pm: oh, i wasn't paying attention. sorry.

that said, i would still go with ripley, a strong female leader in a genre that traditionally does not (or did not) have them.; ▶ Reply to This