Throughout history, women in film have traditionally played the damsel in distress, but now women are dominating the big screen as warriors, superheros, and a force to be reckoned with. This Women’s History Month, we want to celebrate the strong females leads that challenge the status quo and inspire women to be strong, confident, and independent. Nakia, Shuri, and Okoye, the powerful women in Black Panther, are all great examples of strong female characters that break gender stereotypes.

Black Panther (2018)

The Wakandan women in Black Panther are the definition of fierce! Nakia, Shuri, and Okoye are tough and opinionated women warriors who give hell to anyone that gets in their way. Okoye (Danai Gurira), the fearsome leader of the kingdom guards called the Dora Milaje, and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), a spy passionate for justice and humanitarianism, fight together to defend their country and lead political debate. Of course, they would have not been successful without the help of Princess Shuri (Letitia Wright) who undoubtedly has genius level intellect. She is behind every mind-blowing invention in Wakanda including the Black Panther’s super suit.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The empowering intergalactic women from Star Wars are a force to be reckoned with! The Last Jedi presents strong female icons such as Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) that fight for the resistance against the The First Order. Rey is the first female lead in Star Wars. As a Jedi, Rey evokes determination and persistence. She proves herself against Kylo Ren, the son of Han Solo and Leia, as she develops her newly discovered abilities. Although her son has been consumed by the dark force, our favorite princess leads the resistance as General Leia. These forceful women not only save the galaxy from the Death Star, they also inspire women everywhere.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Wonder Woman is the superhero that all women need! Because she embodies female strength and ability, the Amazonian warrior, played by Gal Gadot, has always been seen as a feminist character. Not only is she capable of incredible feats of strength, but she also engages in tough combat alongside Superman, Batman, and Aquaman in Justice League. Wonder Woman is also not afraid to be loving and compassionate. She symbolizes the female strength and encourages women to be bold and ambitious. This is why Wonder Woman is an amazing example of strong female leads in film.

Black Panther, Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Wonder Women present fierce women in film. It is truly an inspiration to see strong female leads. From the women of Wakanda to those in a galaxy far, far, away, these female leads ensemble the progressive views of what it means to be a woman and challenge traditional gender roles. Happy Women’s History Month!

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It is March once again, and we are celebrating Irish-American films this month! The comedy drama Red Roses and Petrol, starring Malcolm McDowell, is packed full of Irish-American traditions and culture which the viewers can relate to, or identify with in their own families, while the upcoming The Secret Scripture, starring Eric Bana and Rooney Mara, will be bringing the thrilling novel to the big screen.

To further engulf ourselves in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, here is a hand-picked list of excellent Irish-American films that are timeless, captivating, and filled with the “luck of the Irish.”

Whether that means good or bad luck, it is for the audience to decide!

Be sure to watch "Red Roses and Petrol" this month on Vimeo, indiemoviestore.com and other streaming movie websites.

Top 5 Favorite Irish-American Movies of all Time

Gangs of New York ( 2002 ) - Irish immigrants in 1860’s New York City, led by Liam Neeson and Leonardo DiCaprio, clash with the "native" New Yorkers, led by Daniel Day-Lewis in his brilliant performance as Bill "The Butcher,” and spill blood all over the ghettoes of the Five Points district in Martin Scorsese's post-9/11 tribute to New York City.

The Commitments (1991) - A couple of unemployed Dubliners form an off-beat soul band in filmmaker Alan Parker's 1991 favorite. Winner of the BAFTA for Best Picture in the year it was released, it has also been voted Best Irish Film of All-Time by Jameson Whiskey in 2005. The Commitments well deserves a spot on this list.

Rudy (1993) - Rudy is an American sports film which depicts the the life of Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame (the “Fightin’ Irish”) despite significant obstacles. It was the first movie that the Notre Dame administration allowed to be shot on campus since Knute Rockne, All American in 1940.

The Fighter (2011) - The Fighter is a timeless drama about boxer "Irish" Micky Ward's (played by Mark Wahlberg) unlikely road to the world light welterweight title. His Rocky-like rise was shepherded by half-brother Dicky, a boxer-turned-trainer on the verge of being KO'd by crack cocaine and crime. Christian Bale won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dicky, and Melissa Leo won the Oscar as well for Best Supporting Actress.

Boondock Saints (1999) - While 'The Departed' was the traditional look at the Irish mob and a corrupt police force, 'The Boondock Saints' parodies the crime drama and creates its own personality of an Irish American tale told many times over. The film has been described as exhilarating, distorted, at moments philosophical, filled with witty dialogue, as well as over the top violence throughout. It's a cult classic worth watching if you've never seen it.

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